‘Appointments of Marina officials non-compliant with Palace guidelines ’

MANILA, Philippines —  Employees of the Maritime Industry Authority criticized yesterday the allegedly illegal appointments made by former MARINA administrator Robert Empedrad.

Members of the Alliance of MARINA Employees said the appointments of officers-in-charge (OICs) of the agency were non-compliant with the guidelines set by Malacañang.

Based on Memorandum Circular Order No. 1 issued by Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez on June 30, vacancies in the heads of government agencies or departments should be filled by OICs who are next in rank or the most senior officials.

Empedrad appointed former deputy administrator for planning Sonia Malaluan as OIC administrator of MARINA, erstwhile director for shipyard regulation service Ramon Hernandez as OIC deputy administrator for operations, Arsenio Lingad as OIC deputy administrator for planning, division chiefs Harold Tarun as OIC executive director and Ronnie Gernato as OIC deputy executive director.

“The appointment of the OICs is not in accordance with the memorandum circular issued by Malacañang. It is meant to perpetuate the status quo for the benefit of former officials who want to retain their influence and control over MARINA,” the employees said.

They said the memorandum issued by Rodriguez declared as vacant the positions of all presidential appointees whose appointments are co-terminus with former president Rodrigo Duterte effective June 30.