President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman as the new chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines, expressing full confidence in her ability to lead the financial institution.
Malacañang defended the decision through Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a press briefing on Monday, July 13.
”Wala naman po sigurong masama kung i-appoint po niya ang isang tao na sa tingin niya ay makakapagtrabaho nang maayos,” Castro said.
Pangandaman previously resigned from her post at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in November last year, citing “delicadeza” after her office was dragged into controversies surrounding flood control project anomalies.
The new appointment drew criticism from former Budget Undersecretary Cielo Magno, who questioned the move and pointed out that Pangandaman was never formally investigated over the flood control issue.
In response, Castro clarified that the current administration does not shield anyone from scrutiny, stressing that investigations remain open to anyone, whether they are political allies, cabinet members, or relatives.
”Naging bukas po ang Pangulo sa pag-iimbestiga hindi lamang sa nakaraang administrasyon kung hindi pati sa kanyang mga tao, kanyang mga Cabinet secretaries or sinumang mga nasa ilalim ng ehekutibo,” Castro explained.
The Palace official further emphasized that the former budget chief currently faces no official charges, challenging critics to file a formal complaint if they have proof.
”Kaya ang po ang sinabi natin, sa ngayon po ay wala tayong nakikitang anumang kaso na kinakaharap ni dating Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. Kung mayroon po silang maikakaso at mayroon po silang ebidensiya – sila po ay malaya na magsampa ng kaso,” Castro added.