Cruz named OTS chief; Gutierrez gets new post

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has designated former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) executive director Gilbert Cruz as head of the Office for Transportation Security.

Cruz replaced former OTS administrator Arthur Bisnar.

Marcos signed Cruz’s appointment yesterday.

The President had appointed former Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. as head of the PAOCC.

Marcos has also named impeached ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez as chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Gutierrez’s term would end on Sept. 17, 2031.

Asked about Marcos’ reason for giving Gutierrez a new post, Castro said, “when the President appoints someone, he or she should be a good leader.”

Marcos had appointed Gutierrez as member of the Government Service Insurance System board in April 2023. She recently resigned from the GSIS board after calling for the resignation of its chief.

Gutierrez served as ombudsman during the Arroyo administration, which was hounded by corruption scandals. Gutierrez resigned in 2010 after she was impeached by the House of Representatives, before the case could be tried by the Senate.