MANILA, Philippines – Acting Makati Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña Jr asserted on Monday, July 27, that his appointment of new officers-in-charge of the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) and the University of Makati (UsMak) will benefit the city.

“As the acting mayor, I have been empowered by the law to make personnel movements. I believe the appointment of these new officials would be beneficial to the city government, considering their qualifications and untarnished records as employees of the city government,” Peña said.

Last week, Peña appointed Dr Danilo Anastacio as OsMak officer-in-charge (OIC) and Dalisay Brawner as UsMak OIC – a move that drew criticism from the camp of suspended Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.

Peña believes that Anastacio, who has been in the medial profession for 20 years, “has the competence and experience to effect needed reforms in the management and operations” of the public hospital.

He said Anastacio can help “address the persistent complaints from residents about slow service and inefficient staff.”

Peña also trusts that  UsMAK OIC Brawner, will “spearhead the needed reforms” in the university.

Qualified, beyond reproach

Responding to criticisms against the appointments, Peña’s chief information officer Gilbert delos Reyes emphasized that the acting mayor has been appointing OICs who were either next in rank or who have previously worked in the city government.

Delos Reyes said this is “to ensure that they possess the knowledge and experience needed for them to perform their duties competently and effectively.”

“However, certain circumstances merit the addition of new officials who are qualified and whose character is above reproach,” he added.

Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado earlier told the Inquirer that Peña’s recent appointments represented “a purge of qualified city officials” as the city-run hospital and university have been known for their “quality and efficient management.”

Salgado had also alleged that former vice mayor Ernesto Mercado was behind the appointment of the new OICs. Mercado, a former close ally of Vice President Jejomar Binay, is the primary whistleblower in the Senate probe on the alleged overpriced  the Makati City Hall Building 2.

Own decision

Peña flatly denied the allegation. “Ako po ‘yung nag-decide nun (I was the made the decision),” he said in a phone interview with Rappler on July 27.

Asked until when Anastacio and Brawner will be OICs, the acting mayor said it will still depend on Mayor Binay. 

“Kung makita naman niyang maganda ang [magiging] outcome [ng appointments ko], puwede niyang ituloy-tuloy (If he will assess the outcome of my appointments to be good, then he may possibly continue them),” he said, empasizing that he was only acting mayor.

Peña took his oath as acting mayor on June 30, a day after the Ombudsman issued a second 6-month preventive suspension order against Mayor Binay and 14 others over the alleged rigging of bids for the Makati Science High School building. Binay “temporarily” stepped down as mayor the day after. – Rappler.com