Cimatu resigns as DENR secretary, cites 'health reasons'
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu has resigned from his post citing "health reasons," Malacañang announced Friday, Feb. 18.

"Malacañang confirms the resignation of Roy Cimatu as secretary of the DENR due to health reasons," Cabinet secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a statement.
"We wish Secretary Cimatu good health as he transitions from his decades-long and stellar service in government to private life," he added.
The Office of the President already released a memorandum also on Friday assigning DENR Undersecretary Jim Sampulna as officer-in-charge of the Department "effective immediately until a replacement is appointed or until otherwise directed by this Office."
Cimatu took over the leadership of the DENR from the late environment advocate Gina Lopez whose appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments in 2017.
During his stint, Cimatu led the rehabilitation projects of Boracay in 2018 and Manila Bay the following year, including the dolomite beach.
Cimatu is the second former Armed Forces chief to head the DENR after the late Angelo Reyes who served during the Arroyo administration.
He also served as the Philippines’ special envoy to the Middle East during the administration of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.