Ms. Canilao tendered her resignation on Jan. 27 which she indicated as irrevocable. Nevertheless this was approved by Mr. Aquino on Feb. 11, according to a memorandum by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr.

In her letter, Ms. Canilao cited “pressing family concerns” as her reasons.

She has recommended as her replacement lawyer Andre “Raj” Palacios, a PPP Center consultant for over a year.

“He is highly reliable with unquestionable integrity and equipped to take on the gargantuan task of leading the Center,” Ms. Canilao said in her resignation letter.

“He has also established a very good relationship with the officers and staff of the Center.”

Ms. Canilao was appointed to the PPP Center in October 2011, replacing Philamer C. Torio who resigned to pursue studies abroad.

“I am glad to report that I am leaving a strong institution — the PPP Center,” Ms. Canilao said.

“It is manned by dedicated public servants who are invigorated and inspired by His Excellency’s Daang Matuwid (Straight Path),” she added.

The PPP Center, which oversees the government’s PPP programs, was formed by Mr. Aquino’s Executive Order No. 8 in 2010 and beefed up by EO 136 in 2013. — K.M.P. Tubadeza