(Eagle News) — The sacked administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority on Thursday defended the trips he made abroad, saying they were “actually in fulfillment of (his) obligations” as head of the agency.
In a brief statement, Marcial Amaro III, who was removed from office by President Rodrigo Duterte himself, said he has also been able to “discharge (his) official duties” even during the foreign trips.
Duterte made the move after the Department of Transportation found that Amaro had gone on 24 trips abroad in 13 months.
The DOTr inquired into Amaro’s foreign travels following a complaint filed by MARINA employees before the Office of the President on December 22.
“Simply, this claim is utterly false,” Amaro said.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation, to which MARINA reports, said it “respects” the President’s decision.
“The DOTr trusts that the President’s decision is just, fair, and unprejudiced as it was based on verifiable facts and a thorough investigation,” it said.
It added that it does not tolerate “corruption and excesses” in government.
“Rest assured that the DOTr and its attached agencies and offices will be very discerning and judicious in this matter,” the DOTr said.
