Saying that only President Benigno Aquino III can make him step down, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Oscar Inocentes said he remains head of the agency until his successor is named.

“Kapag meron ng inaappoint na papalit sa akin, i-turn-over ko ang kapangyarihan as agency chairman... that’s the time that I will vacate the office and turn over the post,” Inocentes told agency employees during Monday’s regular flag-raising ceremony.

Inocentes said that his post is not co-terminus with former President Macapagal Arroyo.

He said he will continue to function as agency head but will resign “if President Aquino III loses confidence” in him.

In memorandum circular no. 1, all presidential appointees under co-terminus status and/or those occupying positions created in excess of the authorized staffing pattern in all departments, offices, agencies and bureaus in the executive branch are deemed separated from service as noon of June 30, 2010.

In case where the head of the agency or office has resigned and whose resignation has been accepted or is deemed separated on June 30, and no replacement has been appointed or designated, the next in rank and most senior shall take over as officer in charge, the memo said. (Anna Liza T. Villas)