A group identifying itself as “Subic Bay Freeport” on Facebook has called for the courtesy resignation of heads of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), including the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for appointees to step down.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that all GOCC officials are expected to submit courtesy resignations. The “Subic Bay Freeport” group specifically urged SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, his deputies, and board directors to resign.
As a GOCC, SBMA has recently been upgraded to B with assets worth equal or more than P25 billion and or less than P100 billion, and revenues equal or more than P2.5 billion and less than P10 billion.
The SBMA said, however, that Alino had already complied with the President’s order.
“In full support of the ongoing performance review of all Cabinet members and government agencies, I humbly submit my courtesy resignation. Serving as the chairman and administration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has been an immense honor, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s progress,” according to a copy of the resignation letter submitted by Alino to President Marcos on May 26, 2025.
The “Subic Bay Freeport” group said in a social media post that “the people have spoken, and they expect results, not politics, not excuses.”
Among the concerns raised by the “Subic Bay Freeport” group are alleged inadequate manpower within the SBMA, a reported decline in micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) locators and investors, and an insufficient number of law enforcers and security equipment, which the group claims contributed to recent smuggling cases.
Further issues cited include numerous middle management positions remaining in an officer-in-charge capacity and volunteers since 1992 still awaiting regularization. The group also alleged high business permit costs and weak enforcement of anti-smuggling control measures, particularly for imported agricultural goods.
Other points of contention include claims of political accommodations in personnel hiring, lack of duty traffic officers leading to vehicular congestion and neglect of open spaces such as Malawaan, Boardwalk, Moonbay, and Marina Complex in terms of cleanliness and repainting.
The group also noted the alleged neglect of former US facilities, including the Quonset Huts and naval structures at the Upper Marine Amphibious Unit, Aguinaldo St., Lower Cubi and Subic (International) Airport.
