By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual has resigned from his post to transition back to the private sector, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
The resignation will take effect on August 2, the PCO said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with Pascual at Malacañan Palace to accept his resignation.
Marcos acknowledged Pascual’s service in guiding the restoration and transformation of the Philippine economy.
“His focus on MSMEs was absolutely correct, and we are beginning to see the fruits of that policy. We are sorry to lose him, but we respect his decision to return to the private sector,” the President said.
The search for a successor will commence immediately to ensure a seamless transition and continuity in the Department’s initiatives, the PCO added.
Pascual was appointed in June 2022 and was previously the President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).
