The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) revealed that his supposedly worsening health condition prompted David John Thaddeus Alba to step down from his post as the administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

The PCO said this after the Agriculture deputy spokesperson Assistant Secretary Rex Estoperez confirmed on Friday, March 24, Alba's resignation.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is the parent agency of the SRA.

In a statement, the PCO said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin tried to discourage Alba from quitting the SRA, but he said his health keeps him from doing his job.

"Administrator David John Thaddeus Alba visited ES Lucas Bersamin last Wednesday, informing him of his decision to resign," it said.

"ES Lucas Bersamin persuaded him not to, but he reasoned his worsening health condition," it added.

The PCO said Alba's resignation will be effective on April 15 to prepare the appointment of his replacement.

The resignation came following allegations of state-sponsored sugar smuggling in the DA.

President Marcos appointed Alba as acting SRA administrator in August last year.

Alba replaced former administrator Hermenegildo Serafica, who resigned after Marcos rejected Sugar Order No. 4, signed by former members of the Sugar Regulatory Board.