PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez announced yesterday changes in the agency’s organizational setup that were approved in an executive meeting, a revamp the board felt was needed in light of an employee’s fraudulent actions discovered last week.
“It was a collective decision of the board as part of a plan to re-stabilize the organization,” Ramirez said.
A major part of revamp is the appointment of Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. as acting executive director, vice Merlita Ibay who resumes her position as deputy executive director for finance and administrative services, her original appointment before being tapped to take on the acting ED role.
Iroy also served as executive director when Ramirez first served as PSC chief in the early 2000s.
Queenie Evangelista will head the Bureau of Coordinating Secretariat and Support Services as its acting deputy executive director.
Ramirez acknowledged the lapses in the agency and vowed to ensure that necessary investigation, correction, and sanction are being done.
“As the highest accountable official of the agency, I take responsibility to effect changes, to make sure that there are no gaps in the organization. I feel sad, frustrated, and hurt but we all have to have composure,” Ramirez said, adding he hopes all stakeholders and partners “are at peace with these decisions and continue to support us through this.”
The National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General have been asked to assist with the investigation of the employee involved in the payroll scam that has cost the PSC at least P14 million over the years.
Other leadership changes within the agency are set to be undertaken within the week.
