Lawmaker urges Marcos to appoint PEZA chief

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Chair Joey Salceda is urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to appoint a chief for the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to boost investments.

“The world is beginning to go back to pre-pandemic normalcy, as Secretary Pascual would know. So, some unique windows of opportunity to take advantage of COVID-19 worries of multinational firms are also closing. We need a PEZA director general who can shoot decisively in the hunt for big whales and big elephants of investors,” Salceda said.

This comment from Salceda comes after the official confirmation of Alfredo Pascual as Department of Trade and Industry Secretary.

“Many congratulations to Secretary Fred Pascual. Now I hope a permanent PEZA head is next,” Salceda said.

Currently, PEZA is under the leadership of officer-in-charge (OIC) Tereso Panga.

“The world is beginning to go back to pre-pandemic normalcy, as Secretary Pascual would know. So, some unique windows of opportunity to take advantage of Covid-19 worries of multinational firms are also closing,” he said.

“Only security of tenure can give that certainty. I’ve recommended a few names, but I think Secretary Pascual can make that case to the President best,” he added, “With PEZA now having a permanent Board chair, we need a permanent PEZA Director General, not an OIC,” he added.

Salceda said a permanent PEZA head can make longer-term commitments and make a stronger case for special incentives for special circumstances to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board.