ON THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND INTERVIEWS OF THE FORMER PEZA DIRECTOR GENERAL 03 August 2022 It has come to our attention that the former Director General Charito B. Plaza, held a press conference today, 03 August 2022, at the Conrad Manila, asserting, among others, that her position as the DG of PEZA was never vacated, and also averred that there is a need to cleanse the Authority due to the incompetence of its employees. Former DG Plaza has likewise alleged that there is an ongoing black propaganda against her, spearheaded by PEZA employees. This is in relation to the major concern on the legitimate head of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) pursuant to the Office of the President's (OP) Memorandum Circular Nos. 1 and 3. This issue has been dragging since last week, and has greatly affected the employees of PEZA, and the image of the agency. The Department of Trade and Industry (DT!) Secretary, Hon. Alfredo E. Pascual, who is also the Chairman of the PEZA Board, through Department Order No. 2022-68 dated 02 August 2022, has already affirmed the term of extension of Deputy Director General Tereso O. Panga as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of PEZA, based on Memorandum Circular No. 3 of the OP, until 31 December 2022, or until his replacement has been appointed or designated, whichever comes first. Sec. Pascual stands by his order affirming Deputy Director General Panga as OIC of PEZA and said that whoever will still raise the issue should prove that he or she has the right stand and that the Secretary need not to further comment. Completely disregarding the said Department Order of Sec. Pascual, former DG Plaza, on 02 August 2022, sent a letter to Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez asking for clarification that would eliminate the confusion on the rightful o' of PEZA. Thi spite her meeting with the different department or units of PEZA on 02 August 2022, saying her farewell and heartfelt thanks to everyone. Let it be known that PEZAEA is always on the side of the truth and for the service of PEZAns, ecozone locators, and Filipino people. We strongly refute former DG Plaza’s statements in the press conference, and PEZAEA is deeply disheartened with the said allegations. The accusations are reprehensible, unfounded and inconsiderate for failing to recognize the dedication, dignity and honor of PEZA employees. PEZAEA will never tolerate groundless and prejudicial accusations that would impair the reputations of PEZA and its employees. It is with utmost reverence that we recognize the hard work of each employee to uphold the excellence of the Authority making the Philippines as a top investment destination internationally. While there are a lot of issues, we encourage everyone to focus on our work and to not allow ourselves to get distracted by these matters. Let us pray for unity of whole PEZA and for wisdom to the head of our beloved agency.