Ice Seguerra
Aiza “Ice” Seguerra on Wednesday denied speculations that his “personal reasons” for resigning as National Youth Commission (NYC) chair had anything to do with his views on the postponement of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections or the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against President Duterte.
“I cannot elaborate [on my personal reasons for quitting], but definitely hindi dahil sa mga sinabi mong reasons (SK polls and ICC case),” Seguerra firmly said, when asked by Inquirer Entertainment.
In interviews immediately following his announcement, Seguerra just kept chuckling and replying with a curt, “personal,” to repeated prodding by reporters on what truly prompted him to resign his post.
The music artist-turned-public servant simply recalled that he cried when he met and tendered his resignation to the President on March 5.
Days later, however, he told CNN Philippines’ “The Source” host Pinky Webb that he quit because he wanted to devote more time to his family.
Ice earlier explained in a statement that he kept mum about his “personal reasons” for resigning, opting instead to speak personally with the President, because he’s fully aware that social media could “exaggerate or twist the truth.”
“I told him how much I valued his trust … and how this experience made me appreciate public service,” said Seguerra, who likened the President to a “father” who was “very supportive” of his decision.
His resignation will take effect on April 5. He was appointed to the the NYC top post in August 2016.
When news of Seguerra’s resignation broke online, his Facebook page was flooded with well-wishes from friends and colleagues alike, including Judy Taguiwalo—former Secretary of Social Welfare and Development—who thanked him for his concern for the youth and the country.
Taguiwalo related: “He also spearheaded the formulation of the Philippine Youth Development Plan… I saw his passion in moving forward plans for our youth, as well as his confidence in answering questions from the President and other Cabinet members.”
Although now out of government, Seguerra vowed to continue serving the people “in my personal capacity.”
In a recent Inquirer interview, he said he wanted to put together a group of musicians who would play for people in times of crises—a dream even before entering public service.
“I want to use our talents to entertain people, which I believe would benefit their psychosocial health,” said Seguerra, who realized just how powerful music is during a recent trip to Marawi.
“I roamed around with my guitar. For the first time in so many days, they heard music, after constant sounds of guns and bombs… Everyone was listening, singing along,” he recalled.
Seguerra urged the Filipino youth “to find commonalities that will bring us together” in this time of divisiveness. “You’re the heart of our society. You must be heard,” he wrote. “Be kind, always.”