This is to address the previous articles stating that the former Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Vice Admiral Robert A Empedrad AFP (Ret) allegedly made illegal appointments of officers-in-charge (OICs) before he vacated his seat as the MARINA Chief.

Allow us to set the record straight that Vice Admiral Empedrad quietly vacated his post on 01 July 2022 upon the receipt of a copy of Office of the President (OP) Memorandum Circular No. 1 (2022).

Before Vice Admiral Empedrad left his post, he did not sign nor issue any document designating Officers-in-Charge to assume positions declared as vacant as a result of the said Presidential issuance.

Lastly, we would like to clarify that all employees of the MARINA are members of the Alliance of MARINA Employees (AME). The opinion of one or more members does not necessarily reflect the position of the Alliance itself on the issue.