Artes back as MMDA chief

• Published date: 29 October 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

Lawyer Romando Artes has returned as acting head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Malacañang announced on Saturday.

Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Press Secretary, confirmed to Palace reporters that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named Artes as acting MMDA general manager.

Malacañang has yet to release a copy of Artes' appointment papers. He will replace Carlo Dimayuga III.

Artes was also tapped to lead the MMDA from March 1 to June 30, the day Marcos officially assumed office.

A certified public accountant, Artes served as MMDA Assistant General Manager (AGM) for finance and administration in May 2017 and later as the General Manager in November 2021.

As MMDA AGM for finance and administration, Artes managed budget and finances.

Under his leadership as AGM, the Commission on Audit awarded an 'unqualified opinion' to the MMDA in 2019 and 2021.

An unqualified opinion means financial statements are prepared in all material respects and in accordance with the...