Aquino appoints Payumo as BCDA chief

President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Felicito Payumo to head the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte confirmed the appointment through a text message to reporters. “I confirm the appointment of [Felicito] Payumo to BCDA," she said. No other details were provided. Payumo was the former chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). He is also a member of Liberal Party and a former member of the Lower House representing the province of Bataan. Prior to his involvement in politics, Payumo held various corporate posts at Procter and Gamble Phils., Mobil Corp., and Engineering Equipment Inc. Payumo will replace Aloysius Santos, who headed the BCDA since November 2006. BCDA is tasked to convert former US military baselands and Metro Manila military camps into productive civilian economic growth centers, consistent with the avowed government thrust to generate business opportunities, jobs and economic activities in and around these former bases.—Amita O. Legaspi/JV, GMA News