We will not attempt to sugar-coat this story: Those in the know will tell you that Subaru has long been poorly managed from top to bottom. And this shows in the lukewarm sales numbers in spite of one of the most desired brands out of Japan.

We in the automotive media have heard so many stories about the distributor (Motor Image Pilipinas) for the longest time that we wonder if it takes rocket science to fix the issues. Chief of these is the penchant on the part of the Singaporean owner (Tan Chong International Ltd.) to micromanage the Philippine team. Legend has it that Filipino officers handling the Subaru brand are mere pawns figureheads of their Motor Image bosses. Which explains the revolving executive door at the company—the most recent country manager to leave the firm is now with SAIC Motor Philippines in charge of operations.

When the new country manager—Karl Castillo, whom we are happy to have watched advance in her career—discreetly took over the position a couple of months ago, we pondered whether she could make it through the year in the company’s employ. Honestly, it has been a traditional game among motoring editors predicting how long a new country manager could endure dealing with the Singapore HQ masters (particularly TCIL deputy chairman and managing director Glenn Tan).

It seems the answer to our question is quite promising. Over the weekend, a source familiar with affairs concerning the company sent us the following message:

Glenn Tan is out of Motor Image. That’s all I can give you. This is strictly confidential.

Tan, to those who have been doing business with Motor Image in our market since 2006, has always been the controlling hand behind Subaru. In motoring media, we all know that nothing happens with the brand without his blessing. His departure from Motor Image can only mean one thing: the elimination of micromanagement from Singapore.

This was confirmed by another informant, who told us that the management change was announced to the Philippine team last week. Taking over as head of the Motor Image Group is Singaporean Philip Lu, previously the organization’s head of regional sales and market management.

That’s not all. Apparently, the officers working for the various distributors (including the Philippines, of course) will now report to their respective country managers. This move will ideally get rid of red tape from the business, as managers no longer have to follow the orders of their Singapore counterparts. Which will also give country managers true authority in running the business.

It’s unclear what exactly will happen to Glenn Tan. Whether he will retain his position at TCIL is anyone’s guess. But one thing we know is that this development is a huge morale booster among Filipino executives at Motor Image Pilipinas (aka Subaru Philippines). Personnel confidence, for sure, is not the only problem of the team. But this is a very good start if they desire to change the course of their venture. There is hope, we’d like to believe.

Time for Filipino managers to look after their business and stop being bossed around by their foreign overlords. Our race, after all, is capable of scoring gold.