DAVAO CITY — Leo Tereso A. Magno, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), was sworn in on Tuesday morning, May 21, by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at the Palace.
Magno replaces Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, who had been serving in the position. Acosta is questioning Magno’s appointment, citing the provision of Republic Act No. 9996, which states that the Chairperson of MinDA should serve a six-year term.
“The post of Secretary and Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is not officially vacant. Hence, a replacement is not warranted,” Acosta stated in a release on May 20.
Republic Act No. 9996, also known as the Mindanao Development Authority Act of 2010, outlines in Section 3 that MinDA “shall promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active and extensive participation of all sectors to effect the socioeconomic development of Mindanao.” According to Section 7 of the same act, the Chairperson “shall serve a term of six (6) years from the date of his/her appointment, unless removed for cause.” Acosta emphasized that she has no pending civil, criminal, or administrative cases and has never been convicted of any crime. She has also been recognized by various agencies and organizations for good governance and exemplary public service.
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As of press time, Magno has not yet issued a statement regarding his appointment.
