Actor-game show host Eduardo ‘Edu’ Manzano has resigned as chairman of the Optical Media Board (OMB). 

This was confirmed by Malacanang at a news briefing on Aug. 20 with deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez saying they are currently, “deliberating for a suitable replacement.”

Golez added that Manzano’s term as OMB head expired in March 2007 and so he had only been serving in a “hold-over capacity.”  He hinted that the reason behind Manzano’s decision could be partly political.

"He [said] he must attend to personal tasks…he's also considering [another] avenues of public service,'' Golez said.

Manzano was appointed OMB chief right after the agency was instituted in February 2004.  OMB preceded the Video Regulatory Board.

The host of ABS-CBN’s ‘Pilipinas, Game KNB?’ gave a coy comment on his resignation when asked by GMANews.TV.

“I’m in Sri Lanka at the moment,” said he curtly via SMS.

Manzano is the second government official to resign from his post this month.

On August 11, socioeconomic planning secretary and National Economic and Development Authority director general Ralph Recto announced he was quitting his post—suggesting another stab at the Senate for him come 2010. 

Recto, who ran under the administration ticket, lost in the 2007 senatorial race.

Manzano won as Makati City vice mayor in 1998. Three years later, he ran for mayor but lost to incumbent Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Manzano is the former husband of Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, who is now Recto’s wife.