It seems the alleged power struggle in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority has finally reached conclusion after the Palace released a decision to acknowledge career official Tereso Panga as the head of the investment promotion agency.
In a two-page decision penned by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dated 23 January 2023 and received by Panga just this Monday, it stated that DDG Panga shall continue to perform and discharge his functions as OIC of PEZA unless otherwise directed.
Plaza issues challenge
The decision of the Palace addressed to the PEZA Board of Directors, stemmed from a petition of former PEZA director general Charito Plaza filed last year, challenging the position of Panga as PEZA OIC-DG.
“First, the charter of PEZA does not provide for a definite term of office for the position of Director General. Thus, the appointment of DG Charito Plaza is co-terminus with that of the appointing authority, then President Rodrigo Duterte,” the Palace decision said.
“Second, Memorandum Circular 3 did not intend to exclude PEZA from its coverage. Although PEZA exercises corporate powers, it is specifically excluded from the coverage of the GOCC Governance Act of 2011,” it added.