Ayon kay Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque tinanggap ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagbibitiw sa pwesto ni Pernia.
Kinumpirma din ni Roque na itinalaga ng pangulo si Department of Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua bilang Acting NEDA Secretary.
“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has accepted the resignation of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia who resigned due to personal reasons; and has appointed Department of Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua as Acting NEDA Secretary,”
Sa kaniyang pagbibitiw binanggit na dahilan ni Pernia ang personal reasons at ang hindi aniya pagkakahalintulad ng development philosopy niya sa ilang kapwa niya cabinet members.