More biz groups back Peza OIC to be its next head

Peza OIC Tereso Panga

Two more major business organizations want the current temporary head of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) named as the next permanent chief of the investment promotion agency, adding to growing calls from private sector groups and industry stakeholders for such a move.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), touted as the country’s largest business organization, as well as the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) told the Inquirer on Thursday that their preference is to have Peza officer in charge and Director General Tereso Panga appointed to the post.

“His credibility, his experience is suited for the job. That is the position we’re holding,” PCCI president George Barcelon said in a phone interview.

Philexport chimes in

Meanwhile, Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. expressed the same sentiments in another phone interview, saying that they are “happy” with the performance of Peza and how things are done in the agency under Panga.

“I don’t see anyone else on the horizon who will qualify for it better than him,” said Ortiz-Luis.

“I hope this doesn’t end up in a political appointment or an appointment of convenience,” he added.

The PCCI and the Philexport are among the major business organizations who have recently expressed support toward Panga, reflecting the sentiments of a significant portion of the private sector in the country.

Last week, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Ecozone Associations, the Semiconductors and Electronics in the Philippines, Foundation, Inc., the Cavite Export Zone Investors Association, and the Mactan Export Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers also urged Panga’s appointment as Peza chief.

Appeal to the President

To formalize their support, these groups sent their respective letters of endorsement to the Office of the President, urging President Marcos to heed their call.

The statements of support from various business groups came amid rumors that Malacañang will soon announce a more permanent appointment to head the investment promotion agency.

A well-placed government source told the Inquirer that a former high-ranking official from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has been endorsed to the President by a religious organization and a political party affiliated with the previous administration.

The source said that the appointment is a “near certainty” and may be announced during a mass oath-taking ceremony scheduled during the fourth week of this month.