Piñol resigns MinDA chairmanship

COTABATO CITY – Emmanuel Piñol, has resigned from his chairmanship of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), according to a report obtained by MDNN yesterday.



In his Facebook account, Piñol said he is aiming to run as Senator in the upcoming national and local elections in 2021.



Piñol also announced on his social media that he already tendered his official resignation to President Rodrigo Duterte effective October 5. He thanked the president for the great opportunity of serving the country under his administration.



“Today, I have reached a decision to vie for a seat in the Philippine Senate to pursue my advocacy to help the Filipino farmers and fishermen become more productive while at the same time ensuring food security and economic prosperity in the country,” he said.



It was learned that Piñol will file his candidacy in October, following the effectiveness of his official resignation on October 5.



“I am heeding the call of the agriculture and fisheries sector to be their voice in the Senate and to stand up and ensure their well-being against the deluge of anti-agriculture policies and legislations which had made life difficult for them,” he claimed.



Piñol was also secretary of the Department of Agriculture from June 30, 2016 up to August 5, 2019 and then became chair of the Mindanao Devt Authority, from August 5, 2019, up to October 5, 2021.



MDNN research dept learned that Piñol will be joining the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). But he clarified that his close connection with Pres. Duterte remains ‘steadfast’ and politics could not affect it.



He said that after Duterte was proclaimed winner in 2016, Senator Bong Go has invited him to join the admin cabinet which he also readily accepted because of his trust in the Duterte administration.



“Does my resignation and decision to run for a Senate seat outside of the party of President Duterte mean that I am parting ways with him or I am turning my back on him? No, never. Our mission is clear and precise, let us turn the Philippines into a major producer in Agriculture and Fisheries in this part of the world while at the same time create income and job opportunities so that our loved ones do not have to leave home to find work abroad,” he added. – (PNA)