Media federation calls for resolution over PEZA leadership mess
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Members of the Federation of Media Associations are urging the government to settle the long-standing dispute over the leadership of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
The federation — consisting of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), the Boracay Global Press Corps, KBP Laguna Chapter, and the Federation of Provincial Press Corps, Inc. — said that the issue was led by different interpretations of two memorandum circulars issued by Malacañang regarding the leadership of agencies under the executive departments. Shortly after the new administration took charge, Deputy Director General Tereso Panga appointed himself as PEZA OIC and displaced former Director-General Charito Plaza.
Reports are also alleging that industry associations are now being dragged into giving endorsements for his retention. At the same time, the dispute and power hold-ups between the two leaders are affecting employees.
After appointing himself as the new OIC, Panga reportedly started terminating, demoting, and transferring to far away economic zones the staff and employees identified as supporters of Plaza. He then hired new employees while promoting and occupying economic zones (EZs) that his staff and supporters allegedly preferred.
Further, Panga is reportedly accused of utilizing the PEZA Employees Association to support him in connivance with present and past presidents, who are his direct staff, allegedly without the approval of the general membership, made public statements of support, and conducted a survey, further pressuring and harassing the employees to stand by him.
On the other hand, industries allegedly endorsing Panga insisted that they remain neutral in the PEZA rift, adding that the leadership appointment “is the power of the President only.”
