SBMA top posts merged

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Friday confirmed the appointment of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair Roberto Garcia as the freeport’s administrator.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the confirmation came from the office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

Garcia’s appointment as SBMA’s concurrent administrator marks the return to the original setup in the freeport.

The Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 that created the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority referred to the SBMA chair and administrator as just one official.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, however, split the two positions in 2004 with her Executive Order No. 340.