Panga to remain as PEZA OIC
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Malacañang Palace has affirmed Tereso Panga’s position as Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
In a directive issued last January 23, Malacañang ruled that “Panga shall continue to perform and discharge his functions as OIC of PEZA unless otherwise directed.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued the “for strict compliance” directive after his office received reports and letters questioning the validity of Panag’s designation as PEZA OIC.
These complaints cited that the position of PEZA Director General (DG) is not vacated and that the agency is not covered by Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2022 (MC No. 1) and Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2022 (MC No. 3).
Bersamin countered that Panga’s designation is valid under MC No. 1 and the issuances arising from the change in the administration last July 1.
The Office of the President (OP) also reiterated that “the charter of PEZA does not provide for a definite term of office for the position of DG.”
“Thus, the appointment of DG Charito Plaza is co-terminus with that of the appointing authority, then President Rodrigo Duterte,” the OP added.
