‘Up to Aquino to clean up SBMA appointment mess’

MANILA, Philippines—The businessman who claimed he was appointed administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) by President Benigno Aquino III said it was up to the Chief Executive to clear up the question of his appointment.

Michael Macapagal, son of former Olongapo City Mayor Teddy Macapagal, said he would gladly support SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia if the President finds the latter more “suitable for the job.”

“In the final analysis, it is President Aquino who will decide on the best man for the top SBMA post. If, God willing, he chooses me, I would like to think that he did so because I shared his desire to introduce good government by reforming the bureaucracy, and that includes the graft-ridden SBMA,” said Macapagal in a text message.

“On the other hand, if (the President) finds Roberto Garcia more suitable for the job, I will wholeheartedly support him. But the fact remains that up to this day, Mr. Garcia’s appointment is that of director, not as chair, much less administrator,” Macapagal said.

Macapagal made the remarks after Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. denied the President had named the businessman SBMA administrator. Ochoa said no such appointment had come out of Malacañang.

The executive secretary also said he had asked the National Bureau of Investigation to step into the controversy.

Malacañang had announced months back that Mr. Aquino had appointed SBMA chair Garcia its concurrent administrator.

Either way, Macapagal said: “My family, starting with my father, human rights lawyer Teddy Macapagal, has always been supportive of the saintly Cory Aquino, and now of (President Aquino).”