'New TESDA chief, OPS executive should now get to work'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has called for an end to questions raised on the decision of President Arroyo to transfer Roger Peyuan from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).

In an interview over state-run Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said it is time for Peyuan and the new TESDA director general Pastor Guiao to work in their new posts.

“We acknowledge the credentials of Undersecretary Peyuan and the sentiments of his supporters. The President has placed him where she feels his formidable talents would be best utilized, while ensuring that TESDA continues to pursue its mandate under its new director general Pastor Guiao,” Saludo said. 

“It is now best to let both capable officials focus on their new assignments in the service of the nation,” he added.

The short-lived appointment of Peyuan as director general of TESDA raised widespread speculations within TESDA and other groups in the labor sector.

Peyuan was initially appointed by the President as the replacement of Augusto Syjuco when the latter was forced to resign to pursue his bid for Congress.

Two days after his appointment, Peyuan was transferred to the OPS as an undersecretary and Guiao was named by the President to take his place at TESDA.

Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate Susan Ople said the Palace should explain the abrupt withdrawal of Peyuan’s appointment, especially after he made some allegations about Syjuco wanting to manipulate the funds of TESDA.       - Marvin Sy