DAVAO CITY: The newly appointed chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) urged the agency’s more than 100 employees on Friday to unite and cooperate to further serve Mindanaoans.
In an interview, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno pointed out that common goals and targets will be achieved if the agency is united.
“If we have a common goal, common target, and one direction, we will be united,” he said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Magno as MinDA chair on May 13. He took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 21.
However, Secretary Maria Belen Acosta reiterated her defiance of the President’s appointment of Magno in a press briefing Friday.
“I continue to work for Mindanao and my country inside the office of the Mindanao Development Authority. Praying that Republic Act 9996, which created MinDA and all that it represents, prevails,” she said, adding that she knows that the law is on her side.
Acosta’s term of office was terminated for cause ‘due to the
loss of trust and confidence in you on the part of the appointing power,’ the Palace said.
She countered that she is not facing administrative or criminal charges and has never been found guilty of any crime.
On Friday afternoon, Magno conducted an executive committee meeting with the department heads and lauded Acosta for the agency’s achievements.
“I’m praying that there will be dialogue between me and Secretary Mabel. I am praying for that for the agency and the people of Mindanao,” he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency