GMA extends DPWH official’s term to rush NAIA 3 roads

Public Works Secretary Simeon Datumanong announced successive promotions last week. But he soon realized that the people he promoted have nowhere to go – there is no vacancy in the position ladder.

Confusion hit the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over the weekend after Datumanong issued Department Order 237 only to withdraw it later after finding out that President Arroyo has extended the chief of the DPWH in National Capital Region who is supposedly retiring this month.

"President Arroyo wanted me to stay on and finish the access road to NAIA 3 (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)," said DPWH-NCR director Antonio Sta. Elena.

In his order dated Sept. 10, Datumanong tapped his Region 4-B (Mindoro area) director Rafael Yabut to replace Sta. Elena, triggering a wave of promotion and transfer of other top officials. Supposed to succeed Yabut was Region 3 director Alfredo Tolentino, who in turn was supposed to be replaced by Region 1 director Josefino Rigor. Rigor’s assistant is supposed to take over in acting capacity.

"The promotions will still go ahead. It is just temporary," said Sta. Elena to his subordinates who came tumbling back to their original posts.

Sta. Elena said he was extended by the President to rush the work on the expansion of Domestic, Sales, and Andrew roads leading to the controversial NAIA 3 in time for the terminal’s soft opening.