MANILA - President Aquino has accepted the resignation of Secretary Ramon "Ricky"Carandang as head of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO). In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President accepted Carandang's resignation two days ago. Carandang's resignation is effective December 31, 2013. Undersecretary Manolo Quezon will oversee the operations of the PCDSPO. Lacierda said Carandang thanked President Aquino for the chance to serve the administration and the country. He said Carandang served during the eventful first half of the Aquino presidency "where he worked behind the scenes to communicate the President's message." He said Carandang will be returning to the private sector. "He just mentioned that he believes has done his job and he would like to return to the private sector and that he will run to the ends of the earth seeking wisdom," he said. He admitted that he is saddened by Carandang's resignation since he had known the secretary even before they joined government. Before his appointment to the President's communications team, Carandang served as anchor and correspondent of ABS-CBN News Channel. ANC, December 12, 2013