Philippine Information Agency director general Ramon Cualoping III has resigned from his post, according to his Facebook post on Monday night.

He said he has tendered his resignation as early as 4 April, and that it has been accepted by the Office of the President.

“I ensure a smooth transition to my successor once the Office of the President announces it,” he said. “I will always be proud to have worked with much merit, service, and excellence. With an unblemished record as a public servant sans the black propaganda waged by some individuals against my name.”

Cualoping bared that he resigned to give Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil a “free hand to choose whom she sees as” the best person for the job.

“Integrity is what I will be carrying on as I enter a new phase in my professional life. Love for country is a must. As we sing in the Ateneo de Manila’s Song for Mary, “eyes are dry at the last goodbye,’” he said.

Last year, PIA regional and division heads sought his ouster for alleged “extravagant” expenses. He has since denied such accusations.