‘Status quo,’ Palace says on Pastrana’s appointment to PPA

MANILA, Philippines — “It’s status quo as of the moment,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said this Friday amid allegations that the appointment of businessman Christopher “Chet” Pastrana to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has been withdrawn.

During a press briefing, Cruz-Angeles was asked about the alleged withdrawal of Pastrana’s appointment as general manager of the PPA.

“There is no statement and there is no information on that one. So it’s status quo as of the moment,” Cruz-Angeles said.

According to news reports, Pastrana was not present during his supposed first day in office at the PPA on July 4.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista had a “surprise visit” to the PPA office in Manila and addressed the employees.

“As we wait for the appointment of your General Manager, which will happen in the next couple of days, please make sure to further reduce shipping and travel costs nationwide and maintain the high quality of service in all ports,” Bautista was quoted as saying by state news media Philippine News Agency.

Some critics have cited a conflict of interest in Pastrana’s appointment to the PPA. Pastrana chaired the Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation, which operates FastCat vessels.

Marcos earlier named Pastrana as the general manager of the PPA. He took his oath in Malacañang on June 30.

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JPV/abc