Go denies links to row over coconut firm
President Rodrigo Duterte’s top aide has dismissed reports linking him to the reported mass resignation of the officials of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund-Oil Mills Group (CIIF-OMG) in protest over Malacañang’s decision to appoint the agency’s new head.
In a radio interview, Special Assistant to the President (SAP)Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said he had nothing to do with the resignation of the 12 CIIF-OMG officials following the appointment of Rehan Lao as new chief executive officer (CEO).
Lao, according to reports, happens to be the national president of Sulong ang Pag-Unlad Movement, which is said to be rallying behind Go’s senatorial bid.
But the President’s top aide insisted that he was not running for any political office.
“Wala po. Do not consider me a candidate. Hindi po ako kandidato (I have nothing to do with their resignations. Do not consider me a candidate. I’m not a candidate),” Go said during an interview with dzBB radio.
Go also dismissed the claim of CIIF-OMG director Joven Evangelista that the agency’s officials were approached by “powerful” people closely connected to Go as the latter “needs funds because the midterm election is coming up.”
“We have not authorized, I have not authorized anyone to solicit for me and ask money for anyone for the midterm election),” Go said.
“To the public, please if there is someone who will solicit money or whatever for my candidacy, do not believe them, I am not a candidate,” he added.
Eddie Delima, chairman of the board, and Benedicto Lor, chief executive officer (CEO), and 10 more officials have submitted their resignations to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea following Lao’s appointment.
The group said Lao had claimed to be a lawyer even if records showed that he did not pass the Bar examinations. He also has a pending administrative case for misrepresentation before the Office of the Ombudsman.
“This is not a rebellious move. We just want to tell Malacañang that we do not want Mr. Lao. We respect the prerogative of the President, but they should also consider that we want the company to succeed. We do not want someone to be a liability,” Delima said on Friday.
“He (Lao) lacks the necessary experience and his character is really questionable,” he added.
Lao was appointed member of the board of directors of CIIF-OMG last June 25 and this was met with opposition.
An election among the board members happened last July 3, where Lao lost to Lor. But Malacañang eventually insisted that Lao become the CEO.
“It seemed that he really has the connection and is backed by someone close to the President. He already lost in the election and yet he still became the CEO,” Delima said.
Following the resignations, the agency’s three oil mills in Iligan, Albay and Batangas stopped operating.
Delima said the temporary halt would lead to a daily loss of P1.2 million.
Malacañang downplayed the issue, with Medialdea and Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. saying the officials tendered their resignations because they were merely in a holdover capacity.
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