Exporters have warned that a sweeping government leadership reshuffle could disrupt investment and trade momentum, questioning the timing of changes at agencies they consider among the administration’s strongest performers.
The shake-up involves four major agencies. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza is moving to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), replacing Ariel Nepomuceno, who will take over the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
Finance Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr. will replace Mendoza at the BIR, while BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang will become director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), succeeding Tereso Panga.
The Office of the Executive Secretary transmitted Bingcang’s appointment to Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on November 11.
The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) said the timing of the changes at PEZA and Customs was particularly concerning, describing both agencies as “bright spots” of the administration.
“At a time when the country needs to strengthen investor confidence, expand exports, and improve the ease of doing business,” institutional continuity and sustained reforms deserve utmost consideration, the group said in a November 12 statement.
PEZA approved P309.629 billion in investments from January to October, up 76.56 percent year on year and already exceeding its P300-billion annual target.
The 240 new and expansion projects are expected to generate USD9.124 billion in exports and 38,815 direct jobs. Approvals could reach P315.5 billion, surpassing the previous record of P311.9 billion set in 2012.
PHILEXPORT also credited Customs reforms under Nepomuceno for improvements in transparency, digitalization, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. The bureau was no longer among the 10 most complained-about national agencies in the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s first-quarter 2026 monitoring.
The exporters’ group urged the government to consult foreign chambers, economic zone locators, and industry stakeholders, including through the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council.
Meantime, the BIR under Mendor reported tax collection rose 5.6 percent in the January-October period to P2.81 trillion, on track to surpass a P3.431 trillion target for 2026.
Separately, the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI) expressed support for Panga, citing cooperation on investment promotion, cargo congestion, and digital processing.
SEIPI said collaboration among PEZA, Customs, and PAIRCARGO helped clear 284 shipments by early August, easing backlogs affecting electronics supply chains.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go welcomed Bingcang’s appointment, while Roque congratulated him on his accomplishments at BCDA.
