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Suspended PCA chief refuses decision recommending his removal

April 24, 2017 | 9:04am

Suspended PCA chief refuses decision recommending his removal

Preventively suspended Philippine Coconut Authority chief Avelino Andal said he does not intend to follow the investigating body that recommended his removal and replacement after he was found guilty of alleged corruption.

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MANILA, Philippines — Preventively suspended Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) chief Avelino Andal has refused to accept the decision of the investigating body that recommended his removal and replacement after he was found guilty of alleged corruption.

Based on a document obtained by The STAR, the Special Investigating Committee headed by Director Conrado Capa has recommended the removal of Andal as administrator of the PCA.

"It is hereby recommended that the directors, acting as fiduciaries of the state, convene and vote to remove and replace Mr. Avelino L. Andal as Administrator of the PCA without prejudice to filing criminal and administrative cases," the document read.

Last March 20, Andal has been suspended to enable the disciplining authority to conduct an unhampered investigation upon deliberation of recent events involving the administrator, as per a board resolution led by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr.

Despite the recent resolution, Andal maintained that he is not out as PCA administrator because he serves at the pleasure of President Rodrigo Duterte and he does not recognize the resolution of the PCA Governing Board chaired by Evasco.

"I don’t intend to follow him [Evasco] nor the board. I serve at the pleasure of the president. The persecution continues and I am the sacrificial lamb in return to the firing of [Halmen] Valdez," Andal told The STAR.

Earlier this month, Duterte fired Cabinet undersecretary Valdez over issues on the country’s rice importation.

Before the axing, Andal has already accused Valdez of executing efforts to undermine the Duterte administration.

"Evasco needs me fired to even up the dismissal of Valdez. If it’s just for him, I’m already out. But I don’t just follow illegal and unjust order. It does not recognize even elementary due process because everything was framed up against me," Andal said.

"I only vow to the appointing authority and because they besmirched already my name, I will stand my ground and oppose oppressive acts against me. I believe that what is happening to me at the PCA is the handiwork of the Evasco-Valdez yellow clique with some members of the board as collaborators," he added.

"Evasco really intends to fire me in retaliation for the dismissal of Valdez. Now that Valdez is gone, the board is now his pawn against me," Andal said.

While he is an appointee of the president, Andal said he has yet to talk to the president regarding his current situation.

"I don’t want to drag and bother the president who has more important national concerns. I will just continue to serve at his pleasure vowing to continue the fight against corruption in government which he exemplified by firing Halmen Valdez right away," Andal said.

Should he be able to talk to the president, Andal said he will suggest the replacement of all members of the board.

"Hopefully, this would be resolved soon. I may suggest to the president, given the opportunity, to replace the members of the board apparently serving as lackeys of Evasco in oppressing and persecuting me for their selfish personal interests," he added.