Two thirds of the 22 Cabinet memberssubmitted their courtesy resignations in preparation for the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's new term, a palace official confirmed Wednesday.

Confident of Arroyo's victory, Philippine Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo made the disclosure but refused to identify the officials concerned although he said he was one of them. Others are expected to follow within the week, Romulo added.

Philippine Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye and Press Secretary Milton Alingod submitted their resignations Monday.

Asked if the move was in preparation for the Arroyo's new term in office, Romulo replied, "Yes, exactly."

"I am personally sure (that Arroyo is going to win in the elections) because I've been told by our leaders all over the country that she has a commanding lead," he told reporters.

Romulo was confident that Arroyo would win by at least two million votes in the official canvassing of Congress.

The Senate and the House of Representatives will convene in a joint session as the National Canvassing Board on May 24 will start canvassing votes for presidential and vice-presidential candidates and is expected to proclaim the country's new presidentand vice president in early June.

Source: Xinhua