Aquino rejects resignation from presidential bet

Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel Roxas II tendered Monday his resignation to President Benigno S. Aquino III as department head.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said, however, the president convinced Roxas to stay on, citing the need for him to tackle several urgent concerns at the agency and ensure a proper transition in the DILG before stepping down.

Roxas has offered to resign three days after Aquino endorsed him as the administration presidential candidate in the 2016 elections.

Aquino, earlier in the day, said he would "prevail on him ( Roxas) to stay in the post a little longer to finish a lot of the things that are being done."

The president added that the welfare of the country would be prejudiced if he allowed Roxas to leave at this point.