Clarification on the appointment of SBMA Administrator

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., Office of the President, 2/24/2012 - Reports have recently surfaced that a certain Mr. Mike Macapagal has been appointed by President Aquino as administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). To back up this claim, the supposed appointment papers of Mr. Macapagal have been shown to members of the media, together with press releases announcing his appointment to the post.

All these are untrue.

Mr. Macapagal has not been appointed by the President as SBMA Administrator. Neither has our office prepared or released any appointment papers to that effect. He has never been considered for the post, which is currently held by SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia, who was appointed SBMA administrator in a concurrent capacity by the President on November 21, 2011.

Due to the confusion caused in SBMA by the statements of Mr. Macapagal and his representatives, I have directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation into the matter and prepare the filing of appropriate charges.