THE Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Rolen Paulino, tendered his resignation effective April 15, 2023.
In a statement, Paulino said he submitted his resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in order to “give the President a free hand to choose who he deems best to steer the SBMA/Subic Freeport Zone to greater heights in terms of management and new business opportunities.”
Although Paulino has a fixed six-year term Republic Act 7227 or the “Bases Conversion Development Act,” he stated that he will adhere to the instructions from the Office of the President as an obedient soldier and dedicated public servant. “I trust the good judgment of the president as he knows better,” he continued.
Paulino, who was appointed to his post March 1, 2022, admitted that his tenure was challenging but was likewise fulfilling even if the country was still in recovery mode from the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the support of employees and stakeholders of the measures he implemented to help locators get back on their feet, enabling the Freeport zone to become “fast and firmly on the road to recovery and economic upturn.”