PSC operations running smoothly

MANILA, Philippines - There is no power vacuum within the Philippine Sports Commission.

“The day-to-day operations are running smoothly,” said commissioner Eric Loretizo yesterday amid some confusion brought about by a recent Malacañang circular saying all positions of presidendial appointees under coterminous status are deemed vacant as of June 30.

“There is no vacuum,” added Loretizo.

In fact, Loretizo said chairman Harry Angping will preside over a regular board meeting today along with the other commissioners, Akiko Thomson and Jose Mundo. The fourth commissioner, Fr. Vic Uy, has stopped reporting for work since last Wednesday.

Angping has been out of his office for three days now, but will report back to work today following a clarification that members of the PSC board, all presidential appointees, are not supposed to vacate their positions until July 31 or until their replacements are named.

“That’s what we’re supposed to do. If we don’t report for work it could be tantamount to abandonment of post. We will stay here until our replacements are named or until our resignations are formally accepted by Malacañang,” Loretizo explained.

“That’s what the second section of the circular says,” he added.

In the absence of Fr. Uy, the PSC’s chief accountant, Merly Ibay, has been designated the acting executive director. But it doesn’t mean that the long-time career officer of the PSC is the one calling the shots.