SBMA takeover of Subic golf course backed

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Members of the Subic Bay Golf and Country Club, Inc. (SBGCCI) have expressed full support for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as they welcomed its decision to take over the management of the facility here.

SBMA Deputy Administrator for Administration Ferdinand Hernandez, during a meeting with members of SBGCCI, said that the club members expressed relief when they learned that SBMA had taken control of the management of the facility from the golf and country club which is under the Universal International Group of Developers.

"It was an expected reaction from the members. We have been hearing complaints from them and even from its employees about the style of management Mrs. Ho had implemented while in control of the golf course," Hernandez said.

SBMA officials met with some 40 members of SBGCCI for a briefing on the events that transpired last June 9 when the SBMA officials and law enforcers led by SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Ramon Agregado and Deputy Administrator for Tourism Development Raul Marcelo issued the notice of lease termination to Ho.

Marcelo said that what the SBMA really intends to do is to make the golf course acceptable where club members can exercise their rights, enjoy their privileges, and make them satisfied.

"The SBMA realized that since everyone is paying his share as member, it is time that the golf course gives back the quality facility and services due them. We want the golf course to be one of the best destinations in Subic Bay," he said.

Marcelo also informed the members that golf course workers have already received their "renewed salaries" which were increased from P120 for a 12-hour workday to the regular minimum wage of R239.

By:Jonas Reyes