(Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Friday, November 13, assured businesses and investors that the latest leadership changes in key government agencies would not disrupt public services or affect investor confidence.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government agencies operate through coordinated leadership and established systems, ensuring continuity despite changes in top officials.
“Ang mga liderato sa bawat ahensiya ay nagkakaisa-isa naman, hindi naman sila nagtatrabaho on their own,” Castro said during a press briefing at the International Media Center in Pasay City.
Her remarks followed concerns raised by business groups over the reshuffling of officials in the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
Under the latest appointments, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang was transferred to PEZA, while BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno was reassigned to lead the BCDA.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza was appointed to head the BOC, while Finance Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr. was named the new BIR commissioner.
Castro maintained that the changes were intended to strengthen government performance rather than address alleged shortcomings in the affected agencies.
She cited improvements in the BIR and BOC, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted to maximize the experience and capabilities of officials by assigning them to positions where they could contribute more effectively.
“So, kung napalitan at napunta sa ibang posisyon halimbawa si Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno hindi naman ibig sabihin na magkakaroon ng problema sa Bureau of Customs dahil ang bawat liderato ay nagtutulungan,” Castro said.
“Ang tangi lamang gusto ng Pangulo ay tamang tao sa tamang posisyon,” she added.
The Palace emphasized that the administration’s whole-of-government approach would help maintain service delivery, strengthen revenue collection and sustain economic programs despite the leadership transitions.
Castro also said Marcos remained focused on economic growth amid external challenges, including the continuing Middle East crisis and the effects of a very strong El Niño phenomenon.
She added that the President would continue appointing qualified individuals to key government positions despite having less than two years remaining in his term.
Meanwhile, Castro addressed questions surrounding the performance of the Maharlika Investment Fund, challenging critics to provide evidence supporting claims that the fund was not generating returns.
“Mayroon na po ba silang datos na hindi kumita? So, hindi po tayo makakasagot diyan dahil iba po ang datos na naibibigay sa atin,” she said.
The Palace did not provide specific investment performance figures in the briefing.
The administration maintained that the Cabinet reshuffle was aimed at improving government efficiency while preserving policy continuity and business confidence.
