Panga stays as Peza OIC, says Palace

The designation of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza)  Officer-in-Charge and Director General Tereso Panga as the interim head of the investment promotion agency was finally confirmed by the Office of the President (OP).

In a letter to the Peza Board of Directors dated Jan 23 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the OP cited Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2022 as the basis of its assessment.

In particular, the letter said that Peza is included in the roster of government agencies covered by the memorandum, which meant the position of former Peza chief Charito Plaza, whose appointment was co-terminus with the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was deemed vacated.

The letter also reinforced Panga’s designation, being the next-in-rank and most senior official.

“The designation of (director general) Tereso Panga as the Peza OIC is valid and in accordance with the above-mentioned issuances,” it said.

“In view of the foregoing and to ensure the continuity in the government operations, (director general) Panga shall continue to perform and discharge his functions as OIC of Peza unless otherwise directed,” according to the letter.

Early last month, Panga’s assumption of the position of  interim head of the investment promotion agency  was  questioned,  with three former employees and one current employee filing a complaint in the Office of the Ombudsman.

The petition accused Panga of usurpation of authority referring to the previous tiff with the Plaza, who was removed as head of the investment promotion agency following the assumption into office of President Marcos Jr.