Transportation Secretary Jimmy Bautista confirmed that President Bongbong Marcos has not yet signed the appointment of controversial ports and shipping operator Christopher Pastrana as the new general Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
“Wala pa po akong balita. I understand that yung appointment niya ay hindi pa napipirmahan ng Presidente,” said Bautista when asked by TV5’s “The Chiefs” co-host Amy Pamintuan on Pastrana’s status.
Bautista clarified that as of of July 8, the PPA still has no GM.
“Under Memorandum Circular No. 1, ang designated OIC (officer-in-charge) is yung most senior or the next highest ranking official or the most senior. And meron na kaming na-identify na OIC, for siguro a short period of time,” said Bautista.
Bautista said PPA port manager Manuel Boholano has been designated as OIC of PPA after he was certified as the PPA’s highest ranking official and the most senior.
“Yan po so far ang OIC and hopefully, sana magkaroon na ng permanent general manager ang PPA,” said Bautista.
Bautista issued the clarification amid the confusion over the agency’s leadership as Pastrana has yet to show up at PPA.
Pastrana was named PPA GM on June 23 and was sworn into office by Marcos on June 30.
Speculation is rife that Marcos has withdrawn Pastrana’s appointment amid serious issues of conflict of interest against him – he and his family control 20 percent of the country’s ports, run Fastcat, and owe the Department of Transportation P132 million in unpaid dues since 2013.