Palace names temporary HUDCC chief

Panelo said a representative of the company, which has receivables from HUDCC, has filed a complaint against Millar who allegedly asked for grease money twice for the release of the payment. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Monday night named National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. as temporary chief of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Escalada will replace former HUDCC Secretary General Falconi Millar who was sacked due to corruption allegations.

According to the Office of the Executive Secretary, Escalada “will perform functions of SecGen in addition to his primary duties as NHA GM.”

On Thursday’s inauguration of Cavite Gateway Terminal in Tanza, President Rodrigo R. Duterte announced the sacking of Millar due to allegations of corruption.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo later explained that an extortion complaint was filed against the former HUDCC chief.

Panelo said a representative of the company, which has receivables from HUDCC, has filed a complaint against Millar who allegedly asked for grease money twice for the release of the payment.

Millar denied the allegation, claiming he was a victim of an “obvious demolition job.”