Solons ask GMA to extend Payumo's term at SBMA

SOLONS yesterday welcomed the overwhelming sentiments among their colleagues to extend the term of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Felicito C. Payumo whose term expired recently, as chairman and administrator of the Freeport.

At the same time, solons ask Malacañang to seriously consider reviewing Executive Order 340 which seeks to reorganize SBMA specifically separating the powers of the Chairman and the General Manager of the Freeport.

Batanes Representative Henedina Abad said that "it's about time we give attention to the continuity of good work as what the Chairman did during his incumbency." Abad said that "he should be allowed to continue the programs that he has started at the Freeport saying this programs may discontinue once the government appoint another personality."

"Ang problema sa atin kapag may nasimulang magandang programa ay nababalewala na oras na mapalitan ang pinunong nagsulong nito," she added. The lady solon's views were shared by several solons like Bataan Representative Antonino Roman, Tarlac Rep. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, Quezon Rep. Rafael Nantes, Zambales Rep. Milagros Mitas Magsaysay, Antonio Diaz and many others. Earlier, more than 50 solons, especially from Central Luzon have filed a resolution urging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to extend the term of office of Payumo as the SBMA head.

They said that several programs have been implemented during Payumo's incumbency, especially the implementation of the Subic-Clark Corridor which has merited inclusion in the 10-point agenda of President Arroyo.

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