Saturday, July 05, 2008 Fate of CDC presidency in Arroyo’s hands: Mangio
CLARK FREEPORT -- A top official of the Clark airport said he will "leave it up to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo" if she decides to put him at the helm of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in wake of the resignation of CDC president Liberato Laus.
Clark International Airport Corporation (Ciac) chairman Nestor Mangio said it is up to the President if she chooses him as the next CDC president.
Mangio is reportedly among the top choices of the President for the CDC post. Also in the President's list is longtime CDC director Benigno Ricafort.
In a media interview, Mangio said the President has not yet discussed the CDC presidency with him saying he has only learned about it from statements announced by local officials, particularly Pampanga first district Representative Carmelo Lazatin.
"The truth is I only heard about this from local officials like Congressman Lazatin," he said before proceeding to the Bahay na Puti where the President met with officials of the Regional Development Council and Regional Disaster and Coordinating Council.
Mangio also stressed that he "can serve the President better" at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) noting that he is now "more knowledgeable" of airport operations.
But Mangio was also quick to say that he will respect the decision of the President if she decides to appoint him as CDC president.
"That is up to the President," he said.
Meanwhile, Ciac president Victor Jose Luciano said Mangio's capacity to head the CDC is "beyond question."
Like Mangio, Luciano is also in the possible shortlist of the President. Luciano is a former executive vice president of CDC before he was appointed as president of Ciac.
"Chairman Mangio is good for any position," Luciano told journalists here before proceeding to the Bahay na Puti to deliver an update on developments at DMIA.
