Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Jesus Dureza has offered to relinquish his post "to give President Aquino "a free hand and full opportunity to choose the head of the agency that will carry out the new administration's policies in the country's southern island.

In his letter to Aquino dated July 29, 2010, Dureza said "it is now timely, appropriate, and best'' that the new President makes the choice on who will carry out the mandate of the new law creating MinDA.''

Dureza who has a fixed term of six years was appointed by former President, now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo upon the enactment of Republic Act 9996 creating the MinDA early 2010.

Dureza, a former press secretary of Mrs. Arroyo has been involved in Mindanao since the time of former President Fidel Ramos doing peace negotiations, developmental work, conflict resolutions and personal interventions during critical situations.

While he offered to relinquish his post, Dureza in his letter clarified that "he is not turning back from the work in Mindanao" saying that "there is a lot more to do for all."

"The important consideration now is that the birth of the new agency and the assumption into office of the new President provide an opportunity for a fresh start," he said.