Ex-DAR chief named to LWUA

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed Rene Villa as acting member of the board of trustees of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Malacañang said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing that President Aquino signed Villa’s appointment last Aug. 24, but there was no letter intending to name him as LWUA chairman replacing Prospero Pichay Jr., who was dismissed for various charges.

Valte said the board would hold an election to elect the chairman of LWUA, a government-owned and controlled corporation.

Malacañang ordered last July the implementation of the dismissal of Pichay on grounds of grave misconduct and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. ordered Health Secretary Enrique Ona to implement the dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman.

Villa was agrarian reform secretary from August 2004 to July 2005. He was appointed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but he took part in the mass resignation of Cabinet members who were dubbed as “Hyatt 10.”

The Hyatt 10 called for the resignation and ouster of Arroyo for alleged election cheating in 2004. The other members of Hyatt 10 appointed by the President were Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles.