"I know it came as a surprise for some," he added, saying he informed the four CICT commissioners under him -- Tim Diaz De Rivera, Dondi Mapa, Emmanuel Lallana and former Department of Transportation and Communications undersecretary Bert Emphasis -- on Thursday.

While he welcomes prospects of going back to the private sector, Pena said that having served as a government official; he could be covered by a provision that restricts him from being employed for at least a year.

In addition, he said he has recommended to President Arroyo someone who can replace him as CICT chair, although he declined to reveal a name, saying the person he recommended "is from the private sector and is very experienced in ICT."