SBMA chair won’t recognize OIC administrator

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – A clash appears to be brewing between two presidential appointees at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

 SBMA chairman Martin Diño has refused to recognize the appointment of deputy administrator for legal affairs Randy Escolango as officer-in-charge (OIC) at the office of the administrator.

Diño told SBMA officials and employees after the flag-raising ceremony yesterday that all official transactions, papers, requests and other documents requiring the signature, approval and review of the SBMA administrator should be coursed to him.

He said he could not be effective as chairman if Escolango will assume his functions and responsibilities. 

Escolango was named OIC under a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea dated Oct. 19. He will replace Roberto Garcia who tendered his irrevocable resignation last week.

Escolango could not be reached for comment on Diño's statement.

Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella did not give a categorical statement on the issue.

”We’ll seek clarification regarding the matter. We will give you the answer in a few days,” Abella said. – With Alexis Romero