Panganiban replaces NIA exec appointed by GMA

CABANATUAN CITY — Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban has replaced an official of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) appointed two months ago by President Arroyo, putting Malacañang and the Department of Agriculture (DA) on a collision course.

Under Special Order 524 which he issued Monday, Panganiban, who sits as chairman of the NIA board, the agency’s highest policy-making body, designated NIA deputy administrator Marcelino Tugaoen Jr. as concurrent acting assistant administrator for administrative services.

Tugaoen’s appointment has placed in a bind lawyer Juan Agapito Tria II, who assumed the post last June 7 by virtue of his appointment by President Arroyo.

In his order, Panganiban said his order remains in force unless revoked in writing.

Tugaoen’s appointment has placed Panganiban on a collision course with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita who administered Tria’s oath of office last July 17.

Panganiban had questioned Tria’s appointment which was made without consulting him and when he was out of the country.

Upon his return, he confronted Ermita, saying Tria’s designation sowed confusion among NIA employees. Ermita reportedly promised to fix the problem.

Regino Labucay, technical assistant to the NIA administrator, however, downplayed Panganiban’s order, saying it would not result in a collision course between him and Ermita.

He said Panganiban is the President’s alter ego and his actions and decisions are considered binding unless reversed by the President herself.