Duterte fires Marina chief for ‘excessive’ foreign trips

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  —  His “excessive travels” did him in.

Administrator Marcial Amaro III of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has been fired by President Duterte despite what presidential spokesman Harry Roque described as intense lobbying by unnamed groups for his retention.

Roque said the President instead gave more weight to Amaro’s overseas trips – 24 in all since the Marina chief assumed office in July 2016.

Amaro said yesterday that all his foreign trips were for events in which he represented the Marina.

Roque also said “purging” in the Philippine National Police could begin soon as the investigation of 60 erring PNP members – including senior superintendents – is almost complete.

In an interview with GMA 7 News, Amaro said he respected the President’s decision.

“Like what I have said in the past, I will not fight for the position because I work at the pleasure of the President. For whatever reasons, I have to accept that,” he said.

Based on documents submitted by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Amaro made six foreign trips in 2016 and 18 in 2017. Of the 24 trips, only three were reportedly financed by the inviting organizations, and the rest shouldered by taxpayers. The expenses included allowances and honoraria. Marina is an attached agency of the DOTr.

“It would seem that he had an average of at least two trips in a month for the past one-and-a-half years,” Roque added.

“The DOTr, under the leadership of Secretary Arthur Tugade, looks into the affairs and performances of all its attached agencies, and shall not, in any case, tolerate corruption and excesses in government service,” the DOTr said in reaction to Amaro’s dismissal.

“Rest assured that the DOTr and its attached agencies and offices will be very discerning and judicious in this matter,” it added.

The Alliance of Marina Employees (AME) earlier asked the President to dismiss Amaro for being an “absentee administrator.” The United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) also sought an investigation into his frequent foreign travels.

The Marina employees said Amaro’s trips have affected his work and demoralized employees.

Apparently still unaware of Duterte’s order early yesterday, Amaro issued a statement denying AME’s allegations.

“Simply, this claim is utterly false because, firstly, I have been able to discharge my official duties and, secondly, my travels – as shall be explained – were actually in fulfillment of my obligations as Administrator of the MARINA,” Amaro said in a statement.

His foreign travels, Amaro said, gave him the opportunity to discuss with various organizations international regulations affecting seafarers.

He stressed the foreign travels were in compliance with the country’s obligation to attend relevant international conventions.

“It should be noted that during these out of country meetings, I attended as an official Philippine representative,” he said.

Asked why he did not send another representative, he said there was no one of the qualified seniority level to represent the agency as deputies – particularly for operations and for planning – have yet to be appointed by the current administration.

He said AME and UFS may have been used by a group that wants him ousted so it could push its interest. He declined to name the group.

“Basically, this business group wants me to sign a resolution that will allow them to run a maritime school despite the fact that they have not complied with the requirements for granting an authority to run a maritime institution,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that along with these baseless complaints, even my previous employment is made an issue and claims are made that to protect my position at MARINA, I brag about my previous employer, Mr. Dennis Uy. Again, this is simply and utterly false because anyone who knows President Duterte will know that regardless of someone’s previous employment or even ties with the President, President Duterte will always do what is right and what is good for the country,” he said.

Aside from Amaro, the President had also sacked Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor chief Terry Ridon and Dangerous Drugs Board chief Dionisio Santiago also over allegations of unnecessary foreign trips.

Malacañang on Jan. 3 released a memorandum outlining rules for foreign travels of executive officials and personnel.

Signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the memorandum provides that no official foreign travel shall be allowed unless the purpose of the trip is strictly within the mandate of the official or personnel, the projected expenses for the trip are “not excessive,” and the trip is expected to bring “substantial benefit to the country.”

Meanwhile, Roque said the President has also instructed the different department heads to submit monthly reports of the travels of their respective officials. Reports said the President wants the passports of government officials and employees regularly checked.

“If you want to travel, to get rich or whatever, do not do it in government. Get out of government and join the private sector,” Roque said. – Edith Regalado, Alexis Romero, Louella Desiderio, Jose Rodel Clapano