Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino has officially announced his resignation effective April 15 to give President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. a free hand in choosing a new leader to run the Subic Freeport.
“I have formally tendered my courtesy resignation as Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, effective April 15, 2023, to give the President a free hand to choose who he deems best to steer the SBMA/ Subic Bay Freeport Zone to greater heights in terms of management and new business opportunities,” said Paulino in a statement released Tuesday, April 4.
Paulino, however, qualified that he has a fixed term of six years as provided in Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion Development Act. But added that ”I shall adhere to instructions from the Office of the President as an obedient soldier and dedicated public servant. I trust the good judgement of the President as he knows better.”
The former Olongapo mayor was appointed by then President Rodrigo Duterte on March 1, 2022 shortly before stepping down from office in June that year.
Paulino described his stint at SBMA as “challenging yet fulfilling journey” as he served the country’s freeport when the Philippines was just graduating from the onslaught of the Covid19 pandemic.
With the support of employees and stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, coupled with the “Fast, Friendly and Flexible” business motto which he implemented to help locators get back on their feet, Paulino said the SBFZ is now fast and firmly on the road to recovery and economic upturn.
In closing, he expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the SBMA who have supported him in his “short but memorable and heartwarming time as their leader, mentor, friend and ally.”