Marcos yet to pick new MIAA chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has not appointed a new general manager for the Manila International Airport Authority, contrary to reports that an airline council head will lead the MIAA.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista yesterday clarified that Marcos has yet to decide on who will be the MIAA chief under his administration.

“The President has not yet signed any appointment papers. Reports that he has named someone to head the agency are false,” Bautista told The STAR.

According to Bautista, transport executives are interviewing a number of candidates for the job.

He confirmed that the list of potential MIAA chief include ASEAN Airlines Operators Council chairman Leoncio Nakpil.

Bautista, however, belied reports that the President has appointed Nakpil as MIAA general manager.

Bautista said the selection committee has not recommended someone to Marcos, but vowed to nominate a name soon.

“Yes, Nakpil is one of the candidates for the job, but again no decision has been made. We are still interviewing people for the position,” the transport chief said.

Bautista said the MIAA is being led by assistant general manager Arlene Britanico in an acting capacity.

Britanico handles the finance and administration portfolios of the MIAA, extending assistance in managing the internal affairs of the agency.

Bautista expressed hope that the MIAA chief would be appointed soon for airport reforms to hit the ground running.

He said whoever would be assigned by the President as general manager of the MIAA would be tasked to craft policies and programs for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The MIAA head will also be in charge of sustaining the financial stability of the country’s main gateway.

Reports circulated that Marcos had approved the appointment of Nakpil as general manager of the MIAA.

Aside from heading the airline council, Nakpil sits as a member of the MIAA board of directors representing the private sector.

Remulla names acting BI chief

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has designated Rogelio Gevero Jr. as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Remulla signed on Monday the appointment of Gevero as acting BI chief until July 31.

Gevero, former chief of the BI Regulation Division, replaced Jaime Morente who headed the bureau in July 2016.

“In the interest of public service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, Gevero is hereby designated as OIC commissioner of the BI,” Remulla said.

“He is authorized to discharge the powers and mandate of such position, in addition to his existing duties,” Remulla added. – Evelyn Macairan