DAVAO CITY – Newly appointed Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Secretary Leo Tereso Magno visited the MinDA office here on Wednesday afternoon, May 22.

MAGNO (FB)

Magno, the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, handed over his appointment documents to the MinDA Human Resources Department (HRD).

MinDA Chairman Maria Belen Acosta was present in her office when Magno arrived.

However, they did not have a chance to meet.

Acosta asserted that the post was not vacant, hence, his appointment was unjustified.

Magno acknowledged Acosta’s decision to pursue legal action, emphasizing that he would not take it personally if she resolved the matter in court.

“Ako naman ay responsibilidad ko rin na sundin hindi lang ‘yung appointment kundi ‘yung aking sinumpaan (For me, it is my responsibility to uphold not only the appointment but also the oath I took),” Magno said.

He said that he has solemnly sworn to fulfill the responsibilities as MinDA chair. Thus, he submitted the required documents to officially assume the position assigned to him by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Magno said he would seek clarification from the Office of the President if he could concurrently serve as the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao due to the prohibition against holding two government positions.

He emphasized his commitment to adhere to legal guidelines.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Acosta wrote, “Mananatiling matatag at magpatuloy. Maayo buntag! Salamat kaayo sa tanang suporta (I will remain steadfast and continue forward. Good morning! Thank you very much for all the support).”

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin cited the “loss of trust and confidence” from the appointing authority as the rationale behind Acosta’s dismissal as MinDA chair.

Bersamin said that the MinDA chair position is primarily confidential and policy-determining, making Marcos as the appointing authority, legally and legitimately justified in terminating Acosta due to the loss of trust and confidence in her.