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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd confirms resignation of official allegedly involved in flood control mess

DepEd confirms resignation of official allegedly involved in flood control mess

Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar resigns following earlier voluntary leave over flood control allegations

Published Nov 18, 2025 01:53 pm
DepEd confirms that Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar has formally resigned months after taking a voluntary leave amid flood control allegations. (DepEd file)
DepEd confirms that Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar has formally resigned months after taking a voluntary leave amid flood control allegations. (DepEd file)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, November 18, confirmed that Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar has formally submitted his resignation to Malacañang, months after taking a voluntary leave of absence amid allegations linking him to irregularities in flood control projects.
The confirmation came from Chief Media Relations Officer Dennis E. Legaspi, who said: “We confirm that Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar has formally submitted his resignation to the Palace.”
Earlier controversy and voluntary leave
Olaivar first stepped back from his duties in September after being mentioned during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo had identified him in connection with the issue.
On September 25, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara announced that Olaivar had requested a voluntary leave to allow for a fair inquiry.
“Usec. Olaivar has informed me he will be taking a leave from DepEd,” Angara said at the time.
In a separate statement, Olaivar denied the allegations but said he voluntarily stepped aside to ensure transparency and impartiality in the investigation.
“To allow a fair inquiry, I will voluntarily take a leave of absence from my post,” he said. “I deny the allegations made and want to state clearly that I welcome any investigation regarding this matter. I am ready to fully cooperate with any and all proceedings.”
Long career in public service
According to his official profile on the DepEd website, Olaivar has more than two decades of experience in government service.
He graduated from the University of the Philippines in 2004 and began his career the following year at the Commission on Appointments. In 2007, he transferred to the Commission on Elections, where he worked under Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer.
By 2012, he had moved to the Senate of the Philippines, initially serving under Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. before later joining the staff of former Senate President Edgardo J. Angara.
Olaivar eventually became Director IV for Political and Constituency Affairs under then Senator Sonny Angara. On August 2, 2024, he was appointed DepEd Undersecretary.
DepEd has not yet announced who will assume Olaivar’s responsibilities or whether an acting undersecretary will be designated in the interim.
Olaivar previously said he is prepared to participate fully in any ongoing or future investigations to clear his name. 
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/25/official-linked-to-flood-control-mess-takes-voluntary-leave-deped

Related Tags

DepEd Undersecretary resignation Trygve Olaivar resignation flood control allegations DepEd news today Sonny Angara DepEd DPWH flood control mess Philippine education officials
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