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The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. expressed concerns over leadership changes in several government agencies, particularly the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, underscoring the importance of protecting institutional gains and continuity in positive reforms
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In a statement on November 12, PHILEXPORT cited the BOC and PEZA as “bright spots in the present administration” under Ariel Nepomuceno and Tereso Panga, respectively
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PHILEXPORT would have wanted the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos to consult stakeholders, particularly the private sector, before the leadership changes were decided upon
The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) expressed concerns over leadership changes in several government agencies, particularly the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), underscoring the importance of protecting institutional gains and continuity in positive reforms.
In a statement on November 12, PHILEXPORT said at this critical point where the Philippines is facing several economic headwinds, “the country needs continuity where reforms are working, accountability where improvements are needed, and leadership decisions guided by performance, institutional stability, and the national economic interest.”
The group labeled the two agencies as “bright spots in the present administration” under BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and PEZA director general Tereso Panga
“The gains achieved by PEZA and the BOC should not be taken for granted. They should be sustained, strengthened, and built upon for the benefit of Philippine exporters, investors, workers, and the economy as a whole,” the group said.
Nepomuceno, after more than a year in office, has confirmed he will be transferring to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), while BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang will replace Panga at PEZA as announced by Finance Secretary Frederick Go on November 12.
PHILEXPORT said despite global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and other economic headwinds, “PEZA has continued to deliver impressive investment performance under the leadership of Director General Tereso O. Panga.”
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza, a former BOC official, will reportedly take the helm of the BOC while Finance undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr. will replace Mendoza in BIR. These changes have yet to be confirmed by either the officials or Malacañang.
PHILEXPORT lauded the performance of both Nepomuceno and Panga, citing the fiscal achievements and transformation of their respective agencies amid global and domestic challenges.
PHILEXPORT said the financial figures reflect the confidence of both foreign and domestic investors in the country’s economic zones and underscore PEZA’s important role in generating investments, exports, and employment and that such momentum should be protected and further strengthened.
For BOC, the group noted that the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has reported improvements in the agency’s standing in its monitoring of government agencies receiving complaints on red tape and service delivery. Notably, BOC is no longer among the agencies identified in ARTA’s reported list of the 10 most complained-about national government agencies for the first quarter of 2026.
PHILEXPORT would have wanted the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos to consult stakeholders, particularly the private sector, before the leadership changes were decided upon.
These include foreign chambers of commerce, economic zone locators, and other industry stakeholders in the case of PEZA. For BOC, consultations should be undertaken through the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council, which provides an established platform for government-industry dialogue and cooperation.
