Government asks normalcy over Tesda row

PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson Ricardo Saludo on Saturday appealed to supporters of Rogelio Peyuan to allow newly-appointed Pastor Guiao to assume his post at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

Peyuan was transferred to the Office of the Press Secretary two days after he was named as Tesda director general vice Augusto Syjuco Jr., who is running for congressman in Iloilo.

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As they respected the sentiments of Peyuan supporters, Saludo asked for normalcy between Peyuan and Guiao’s camp “to let both capable officials focus on their new assignments.”

Supporters of Peyuan had published a full page advertisement on a daily newspaper to air their sentiments over the surprising cancellation of Peyuan’s appointment to Tesda even after he formally took oath.

Peyuan, for his part, believed that Syjuco was behind his removal after he declined the latter’s request to use P700 million Tesda scholarship program.

Syjuco, meanwhile, charged Peyuan of backing the senatorial campaign of Nacionalista Party’s Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who allegedly prompted him to lobby Guaio as the head of Tesda.

Amid problems in Tesda, Saludo urged both camps to give way to each other and start their individual duties as civil servants.

He said the Palace will remain silent in the issue of both camps considering it was all “baseless accusations.”

Saludo said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to rescind Peyuan was her prerogative and based on her own assessment.

“The President has placed him (Peyuan) where she feels his formidable talents would be best utilized, while ensuring that Tesda continues to pursue its mandate under its new director general Pastor Guiao,” he said.

Guiao is also a Kampangan like Arroyo. He served as the mayor of Magalang town in Pampanga.

Peyuan was appointed as press undersecretary for broadcast under the Office of the Press Secretary headed by Press Secretary Crispulo Icban.

Icban earlier explained Arroyo’s move, saying it was a “lateral transfer” and that Peyuan is “more suited to the OPS.” He however failed to expound if Peyuan has a background in broadcasting.

Saludo meanwhile did not confirm if Peyuan already accepted the post in OPS but said that it will all be formal as soon as the Peyuan takes oath for his new job.

Peyuan was reportedly disappointed over his unexpected transfer and chooses to take a break in serving the government. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)