GMA flip-flops on resignation of SBMA’s Antonio

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — In an effort to dispel rumors of giving in to political pressure, President Arroyo reportedly asked resigned Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrator Alfredo Antonio to stay put and assume the position vacated by Francisco Licuanan III as SBMA chairman.

SBMA officials, however, remained tightlipped on the alleged offer made to Antonio but gave an assurance that Antonio is, indeed, in control of the freeport.

Sources revealed Mrs. Arroyo asked Antonio on Aug. 31 to stay put in order to head off a possible leadership vacuum brought about by his and Licuanan’s resignations.

Both officials tendered their resignations, which took effect last Thursday.

"I believe that Administrator Antonio accepted the offer, he is staying on as SBMA chief amidst reports naming several personalities as his possible successor," a senior SBMA official revealed.

Antonio, for his part, told The STAR of his plans for the freeport.

Antonio vowed to make SBMA globally competitive. "I will stay as SBMA chairman and administrator and will continue to perform my duty," he said.

"If you were to believe the news reports in the past several days, I shouldn’t be here in Subic today. But in life we really can’t tell what’s going to happen."

Antonio cited the achievements made by the Sen. Richard Gordon and Felicito Payumo as former SBMA chiefs.

"Gordon’s term as chair introduced volunteerism, while Payumo made the Freeport world class. I plan to make Subic globally competitive, giving them a definitive edge over others," he said.

Antonio stressed the freeport will play a vital role in the country’s continuing economic rebound.

He said the freeport will be instrumental in realizing the President’s 10-point economic agenda.

Antonio pointed out the former US military seaport and Clark economic zone in Pampanga are expected to flourish and enhance each other’s productivity as well as contribute to the development of Central Luzon and the rest of the country.

Antonio presided over the first board meeting last Friday and assumed leadership of the SBMA board, calling on its members for support.

The board meeting also sought a review of three major SBMA operations, including management policies to expedite the processing of business permits and other measures to address concerns of freeport locators.

Subic Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun, on the other hand, expressed his support for Antonio’s appointment as SBMA chairman and administrator.

"I am extending my full support for his leadership, which in turn is a good sign for faster business procedures," Khonghun said in explaining why Antonio would hold two positions in the SBMA.

He said the peculiar double role of Antonio could facilitate faster and quicker business transactions in the freeport.

Khonghun said the President must have her own good reasons for choosing Antonio to lead the Freeport.

Members of the local business chamber here concurred with Khonghun, saying Antonio’s appointment is a good sign and could help get Subic back on track with the global business scene.

Subic Technopark Corporation President Ichiro Tsuji told The STAR that Japanese investors here in the freeport are satisfied with Antonio’s handling of the SBMA.

Tsuji cited in particular the ongoing $215-million Subic Bay Port Modernization project slated for completion in 2007.