Economic managers on Tuesday remained silent on the shortlist of candidates who will oversee the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) to be submitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sept. 29.
MIC will serve as the body responsible for the overall governance and management of the Maharlika Investment Fund, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.
In a briefing last Friday, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said a number of individuals have applied for the positions in the MIC.
The deadline for applications is today, Sept. 27.
Manila Standard tried to get the names from Diokno, but he said in a Viber message that he is not a member of the advisory body that will recommend the appointees to the President.
“The body consists of the National Treasurer, and DBM [Department of Budget and Management] and NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority] secretaries,” Diokno said.
The Standard tried to get the names of the candidates from Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman through a Viber message to no avail.
Likewise, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan did not respond when sought for comment through text messages.
A president and CEO, two regular directors, and three independent directors will be included in the MIC board.
Diokno has earlier belied reports that he was being considered as president and CEO of MIC and that he would be replaced as Finance chief by Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto of Batangas.
Diokno said the success of the implementation of the Maharlika Investment Fund hinges on the selection of the best people to oversee and manage the Fund and strict compliance with the provisions of the law.