Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. resigned from his post Wednesday night to prepare for his presidential bid in the May, 2010 elections.

President Arroyo immediately accepted Ebdane’s resignation but did not name his replacement.

Ebdane, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, said he decided to give up his post to avoid conflict of interest because of his political plans.

“It is precisely the long years of service with you that have led me to my decision to offer myself to our countrymen and seek (the) presidency, as an option to continue the progress and development that have been made in the last nine years,” read part of Ebdane’s resignation letter addressed to President Arroyo.

“However, there are barriers in place in the administration party's selection process which negate any participation on my end,” Ebdane added.

Aside from his stint in the PNP and the DPWH, Ebdane had also served the Arroyo administration as National Security Adviser and secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).

He cited his stint under the Arroyo administration as his motivation in seeking the premier post, saying there is still more to be done and he wants to pursue its development program.

“I will continue to advocate the policies and programs that have been instrumental in enabling growth in our country, and speak with the conviction and commitment that arises from the productive, fruitful work that we have done together,” Ebdane said.

Ebdane and his party, the Lapiang Manggagawa (LM), are still weighing their options carefully before naming his running mate.

“As of now, I can’t tell you who is my vice presidential candidate because it’s not yet time to make the announcement,” the official said, hinting that his running mate may be named on the first day or last week of filing of candidacy next month.

Ebdane said his criteria for choosing his vice president is based more on the “credibility” of the person than his “popularity.”

Meanwhile, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President thanked Ebdane for his service in the Arroyo Cabinet.

Remonde, in a phone interview, said the President has not yet identified the replacement of Ebdane although it is likely a DPWH undersecretary will temporarily be named as officer-in-charge in the agency.

He said it was only “proper” for Ebdane to resign from the Cabinet since he is determined to run for president even as the administration party has named Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as its preferred presidential bet next year. (With a report from Genalyn Kabiling)