MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed on Monday that the term of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Bautista Malaluan ended following her retirement on Oct. 1.
In a press briefing, Castro said that while Malaluan has retired, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to name her replacement.
Malacañang accepts Malaluan’s ‘resignation’
Barely 10 hours after Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Bautista Malaluan filed her intent to retire, Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had accepted her "resignation."
In a statement issued Sunday, Oct. 5, MARINA said Malaluan submitted her intent to retire effective Oct. 1 to the Office of the President.
However, around 5:30 p.m. the same day, Marcos accepted what was described as her resignation, prompting confusion among industry stakeholders.
Questions remain over whether Malaluan was asked to retire or resign, although no official explanation has been given regarding the circumstances of her departure.
Statements from Malacañang and MARINA sought to clarify reports surrounding the change in leadership at the country's maritime authority.
According to MARINA, Malaluan will continue to perform her duties pending the formal designation of her successor.
The agency also assured vessel operators, seafarers and industry partners that operations and services would remain steady during the transition.
MARINA expressed appreciation to Malaluan for her service, leadership and contributions to the development of the Philippine maritime industry.
Malaluan served MARINA for nearly four decades, rising through the ranks before becoming its administrator. During her tenure, she oversaw the implementation of a digitalized processing system aimed at streamlining services for seafarers.
Colleagues and industry stakeholders also praised Malaluan for her work ethic and integrity.
"She is not corrupt," several maritime stakeholders said.
