FORMER Philippine Coconut Authority administrator Avelino Andal was appointed member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, replacing former board member Mocha Uson who is currently assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.
The appointment of Andal, whose term will expire on Sept. 30, 2018, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Jan. 30, 2018, but was only released Feb. 1.
Andal’s appointment coincided with reports that another top official of the Commission on Higher Education stepped down, just two weeks after former chairman Patricia Licuanan was forced to resign by Malacañang.
Karol Mark Yee left his post as executive director on Jan. 31.
According to Yee, he has been receiving numerous threats and harassment since President Duterte appointed him in July 2017, replacing dismissed Julito Vitriolo.
Yee did not say who were making the attacks against him.
Despite the “legal and political challenges,” Yee said he focused on strengthening CHED’s internal systems and processes after his appointment.
Uson was appointed assistant secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office last May 2017.
Andal was removed as PCA chief after he was found guilty of illegal collection of P1.50 per board foot of coconut lumber harvested in some areas, which could reach up to P90 million in illegal fees.
He was replaced by current PCA administrator Romulo J. dela Rosa.
The MTRCB currently has 30 board members excluding the chairman, vice-chairman and executive director.