SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — “Wala pong katotohanan.”
Thus said newly-installed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño to circulating reports that he has an outstanding P1.3 billion arrears from the state-run firm that he now leads.
On the P1.3 billion arrears, “wala pong katotohanan yon. True mayroong kino collect po sa akin ang SBMA. You can ask Finance.”
“Kung ako po may P1.3 billion na utang, ako na po ang magsasabi sa Presidente (Marcos) na hindi ako karapat dapat diyan dahil mayroon akong hindi binabayaran na utang na P1.3 (billion). Although hindi ko dapat sagutin, nag divest na ako, pero hindi po totoo yon, wala pong katotohanan” said Aliño.
Aliño was personally asked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lead the SBMA, the agency tasked to oversee development inside the Subic Freeport Zone, where more than 2,000 locators are located.
Aliño has served as “commodore” of the Subic Yatch Club. Aliño has even showed his award in 2015 when he was cited for his “significant contribution” to the development of the Subic bay Freeport Zone.
On the issue of “conflict of interest” serving as SBMA chairman and locator, Aliño said: “Nag divest na po ako. Ang intention ko po ay development ng SBMA (Subic freeport). Our management will always be transparent.”
‘POSITIVE’ GROWTH
However, Aliño is optimistic the freeport zone will register a “positive” growth.
Aliño took over the helm of the Subic freeport zone from SBMA Director Raul Marcelino in simple rites during Monday’s flag raising ceremony. Outgoing SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan Tan, who was appointed Usec of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) did not attend the turn-over ceremony in Subic freeport.
“There is potential here in Subic. With good governance we can invite more investors. We will determine saan ang kulang namin,” said Aliño who remained “very positive for SBMA.”
“I want to sell SBMA (not only) locally but internationally,” said Alino citing “good governance and the people behind the freeport zone” will further elevate the viability of the area.
Aliño said he is planning to put up a “Japanese town” to showcase the best of the country inside Subic freeport. Lately, there had been a surge of Filipino travelers going to Japan “because nakikita natin maganda ang Japan ngayon.”
Japanese investors are willing to look for a proper place for business in Subic, according to Aliño.
‘BIG JOB FOR ME’
“I was invited by President of our republic, Ferdinand Marcos Jr to take a very big responsible job. I was really hesitant because this is a big job for me. I am not use to it. Imagine working with 1,800 or more employees (SBMA) plus 2,000 plus locators, I said what a job. How can I help, what can I do?,” said Aliño.
“How can I say no to the President and the First Lady because if we will always refuse to help our leaders, sino naman ang tutulong just in case na kailangan nila. So I said yes,” said Aliño.
“Wala naman pong madali sa buhay,” Aliño told some 1,800 SBMA workers during his first day at work at the SBMA. “You really have to persevere, walang shortcut when you do things” said Aliño recounting his ordeal as a lowly worker.
Aliño said he worked for a stevedoring company where he was made “an industrial partner” in 1988 in the Port of Manila. He served as head of operations.
“We all have to do our part. No one is perfect. I am truly grateful for the help that you extended to the company. I promise you I will be honest I am telling you wala po akong agenda ngayon dito sa trabahong ito kundi sana nigyan niyo po ako ng pagkakataon na makatulong at makapaglingkod sa inyo,” Aliño told the SBMA workers.