Go denies links to row over coconut firm

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s top aide has dismissed reports linking him to the

the Coconut Industry Investment Fund-Oil Mills Group (CIIF-OMG) in protest over Malacañang’s decision to appoint the agency’s new head.

said he had nothing to do with the

officials following the appointment of Rehan Lao as new chief

Lao, according to reports, happens to be the national president - ment, which is said to be rallying

But the President’s top aide insisted that he was not running

“Walapo. Do not consider

me a candidate. Hindipoako kandidato (I have nothing to do with their resignations. Do not consider me a candidate. I’m not

interview with dzBB radio.

- were approached by “powerful”

the latter “needs funds because the midterm election is coming up.”

“We have not authorized, I have not authorized anyone to solicit for me and ask money for anyone for “To the public, please if there is someone who will solicit money or whatever for my candidacy, do not believe them, I am not a candidate,” he added.

Eddie Delima, chairman of the board, and Benedicto Lor, chief Lao’s appointment.

The group said Lao had claimed to be a lawyer even if records showed that he did not pass the Bar examinations. He also has a pending administrative case for misrepresentation before the Of

“This is not a rebellious move. We just want to tell Malacañang that we do not want Mr. Lao. We respect the prerogative of the President, but they should also consider that we want the company to succeed. We do not want someone to be a liability,” Delima said on Friday.

“He (Lao) lacks the necessary

experience and his character is really questionable,” he added.

Lao was appointed member of the board of directors of CIIF

with opposition.

An election among the board

where Lao lost to Lor. But Malacañang eventually insisted that Lao become the CEO.

“It seemed that he really has the connection and is backed by someone close to the President. He already lost in the election and yet he still became the CEO,” Delima said.

Following the resignations, the agency’s three oil mills in Iligan, Albay and Batangas stopped operating.

Delima said the temporary halt would lead to a daily loss of P1.2 million.

Malacañang downplayed the issue, with Medialdea and Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. saying

- tions because they were merely in a holdover capacity.