Palace: Lapid stays as TIEZA chief

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang denied yesterday a newspaper report that a new chief operations officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has been named to replace Mark Lapid.

Speaking to reporters, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said a certain Vicente Bonaobra II has not been appointed in place of Lapid.

“We would like to categorically deny that there has been a replacement for Mr. Mark Lapid,” he said.

A reliable source said all appointive positions in government emanate from President Aquino, not Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

“This is very much like the case of a certain Michael ‘Mike’ Macapagal in the past, who has been going around telling people that he will be appointed by the President as administrator of the SBMA,” the Palace insider said, referring to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Lacierda said they have checked with the Department of Tourism and Ochoa’s office, but neither had any news of the supposed appointment.

“Whoever that guy is representing himself to be, the Office of the Executive Secretary is investigating that particular incident already,” he said.

It was reported that Ochoa signed Bonaobra’s appointment on Jan. 17. The 40-year-old lawyer will reportedly assume office this week.

TIEZA is an attached agency under the Department of Tourism. It is mandated to designate, regulate and supervise tourism enterprise zones established under Republic Act 9593.

Bonaobra reportedly served as legal officer of the Valenzuela City government from 2004 to 2011 before returning to private law practice.