The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) expresses serious concern over reports and rumors of possible changes in government leadership, particularly involving two agencies that have emerged as bright spots in the present administration: the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Bureau of Customs PH (BOC).
At a time when the country needs to strengthen investor confidence, expand exports, and improve the ease of doing business, PHILEXPORT believes that preserving institutional continuity and sustaining reforms in these two agencies should be given utmost consideration.
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.
From ₱69.3 billion in approved investments in 2021, PEZA’s annual investment approvals rebounded to ₱140.7 billion in 2022. More recently, the agency approved ₱309.629 billion in investments from January to October 2026 alone, already surpassing its full-year target of ₱300 billion. This represents a 76.56% increase over the same period in 2025 and puts PEZA on track to surpass its previous all-time record of ₱311.9 billion.
These 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. Such momentum should be protected and further strengthened, particularly as the country competes with other economies for a larger share of global investments.
Likewise, PHILEXPORT recognizes the significant reform programs being undertaken by the BOC under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has reported improvements in the BOC’s standing in its monitoring of government agencies receiving complaints on red tape and service delivery. Notably, the BOC is no longer among the agencies identified in ARTA’s reported list of the ten most complained-about national government agencies for the first quarter of 2026.
PHILEXPORT acknowledges the reforms being pursued by Commissioner Nepomuceno, particularly efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, digitalization, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. These initiatives are important in addressing the longstanding concerns of the exporting and importing community and in restoring confidence in the country’s customs administration.
Both agencies have demonstrated that consistent leadership, institutional reforms, and closer collaboration with the private sector can produce meaningful results.
PHILEXPORT then hopes that any contemplated changes in the leadership of PEZA and the BOC need to be carefully evaluated in light of their respective gains and the potential implications for the country’s investment and trade environment.
To validate the impacts of these reforms, PHILEXPORT strongly urges the government to undertake meaningful consultations with the stakeholders directly affected by these agencies’ policies and operations. In the case of PEZA, these should include foreign chambers of commerce, economic zone locators, and other industry stakeholders.
For the BOC, consultations should be undertaken through the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), which provides an established platform for government-industry dialogue and cooperation.
PHILEXPORT emphasizes that this is not simply a matter of retaining individual officials. It is about protecting institutional gains, ensuring that ongoing reforms are not derailed, and maintaining the confidence of investors, exporters, and the business community.
At this critical juncture, 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 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.
