CLARK FREEPORT -- Various groups in Pampanga have expressed support to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and Chief Executive Officer Noel Manankil, who took a leave of absence following accusations of bribery.
This stemmed from President Duterte’s statement that a Clark official is reportedly involved in bribery of locators inside the Freeport.
The Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) defended Manankil stating that no locators has reported corruption allegations against the CDC head.
CILA President Joselito Go has described the accusations against Manankil as “black propaganda.”
Another group, the Network of Independent Travels and Allied Services Philippines Incorporated (Nitas), also expressed support to Manankil.
“We are saddened with the latest accusation of corruption towards him. We abhor this malicious statement and this is a plot against him to destroy his credibility and professionalism as the president of CDC,” the Nitas stated in its declaration.
The group added that “Manankil is a person of decency and dignity wherein he values self-integrity and public service.”
For his part, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the report is premature since President Duterte has ordered for an investigation regarding the accusations against Manankil.
“Premature ang story versus Noel, papa-investigate pa yun ng president,” Pamintuan said.
The mayor said that the people will know the truth in a few days. “There could also be a possibility that somebody is interested in Manankil’s position.”
Philippine Ambassador to Iraq Elmer Cato, meanwhile, posted in his Facebook account: “I know CDC President Noel Manankil. He is a fellow Caballero, La Sallian, and Angeleño. I do not believe the allegations against him. If someone wants his seat, all he has to do is ask and am sure Noel would gladly give way. He never aspired for that position anyway.”
Broadcaster Max Sangil, a former CDC director and a former Angeles City councilor, posted in his Facebook account that that he knows Manankil and his family.
“He is a decent fellow, the last person who will do illegal things.”
Felicito Payumo, a former chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in his response to Sangil’s Facebook post, shared that Manankil was never involved in any anomaly.
“I have to vouch for him (Manankil) too. When I was BCDA chair, there was not a hint that Noel was involved in any anomaly,” Payumo said.
“I agree, Noel is decent, hardworking and honest public servant,” Pampanga Third District Board Member Anianas Canlas, Jr. said.
Writing to Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, SFA Semicon (formerly PSPC/Samsung) President and CEO Byeongchun Lee said that “As locator of Clark Freeport Zone since 2010, we attest that at no instance was there any incident, or any implied communication from President Manankil, or from any of the officials of CDC, that involved any form of insinuation of bribery in any form whatsoever.”
Mac Talampas of Xenia Hotel in Clark Freeport branded Manankil as “one hard core strict officer” for denying their request for consideration of extending a 50 percent consideration for unpaid PGR shares in the hotel’s first year of operation.
“I have to admit that what I was expecting is that, you will give me a chance to have a discussion with you and reconsider, as we were a new player in the hotel industry, and a relatively new sub-locator in Clark. You are one hard core strict officer, is what my brain conceived of your persona. When you were appointed as President of CDC as a replacement for the now Secretary of the Department of Transportation Arthur Tugade, I felt a heavy lump in my throat, as my pre-conceived impression of you 'terrifies' me. Over time, I became more comfortable as the works of your management were eventually being felt by the Freeport Zone. I realize that you are indeed a work ethics driven person,” said Talampas.
El Kabayo Sheriff Gabriel La O agrees and said in his statement that “We have had the pleasant and positive opportunity to work with President Manankil through the years, experiencing unqualified work ethic. We were very much encouraged that he assumed the role as President of Clark Development Corporation. We know that many other locators share this same favorable sentiment in having him as CEO of the Freeport.”
The Association of Concerned CDC Employees or Acces also shared its sentiments over the allegations hurled at Manankil.
In a letter to Duterte, the group appealed for Duterte's 'kind judgement' and attested to Manankil's integrity.
He is "a loyal civil servant with great proportions of honesty and trust," the group said.
"He may never be perfect but he was one of the excellent choices to manage and oversee CDC," it said.