RP defense secretary quits<\/p>\n
MANILA (DPA): The Philippines' defense secretary said
\nyesterday he had submitted his resignation to President Fidel
\nRamos amid mounting calls for him to vacate his post in
\npreparation for his plans to run for president in the 1998
\nelection.<\/p>\n
Renato de Villa, also the head of the National Disaster
\nCoordinating Council, said his critics should understand that his
\nresignation was now in the hands of the president who would have
\nto approve his action.<\/p>\n
De Villa, who many believe could be the ruling political
\nparty's standard bearer in next year's presidential election, has
\nbeen under fire for allegations that he could be using government
\nfunds to finance his political ambitions.<\/p>\n
Opposition politicians have also alleged de Villa was behind a
\ncampaign to malign rivals in the presidential race by linking
\nthem to illegal drug activities -- accusations which the defense
\nsecretary has repeatedly denied.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/rp-defense-secretary-quits-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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