MVP can be Asean czar, say Cebu business heads

Some business group leaders in Cebu support the call for the appointment of an “Asean czar” and even named a top businessman for the job.

Fred Escalona, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) Cebu executive director, said he backs the proposal and even had a person in mind for the job.

“Personally, I think Manny (Manuel) Pangilinan is the best choice. His business acumen and experience in the Asean region is a big plus,” said Escalona who was reacting to Sergio  R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., Philexport president’s earlier call for the government to appoint an Asean czar to consolidate all efforts toward ensuring that all sectors and industries can maximize the opportunities opened by the Asean integration.

Escalona said that Pangilinan used to run a multinational company based in Indonesia and now sits in the Asean Business Advisory Council alongside Tess Coson Sy and Cebuano businessman Jay Yuvallos.

Prudencio Gesta, Cebu Business Club (CBC) director and past president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) also agreed with naming Pangilinan as the Asean czar.
Gesta, however, also suggested that a special committee be created to be headed by  the Asean czar with members coming from private and government sectors.

He also said that Lorenzo V. Tan, president of the Bankers Association of the Philippines and chairman of the Asean Bankers Association can also be a possible candidate for the job.

“It is a briliant idea. It should probably be led by the private sector, but it should have a multisectoral organization that will include experts from the government agencies like from Neda, DA and other concerned agencies. The government is already saddled with many things, and they  don’t own their time so the private sector should lead,” said Ma. Teresa Chan, CCCI president.

But Geronimo Sta. Ana, Board of Investments governor, said  there is no need for an Asean czar because the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is already overseeing things related to integration.

“The DTI should be the lead agency to do everything for Asean integration. Trade Secretary Greg Domingo is on top of all of this,” Sta. Ana said.

Gordon Alan Joseph, CBC president, also said there is no need to create the additional bureaucracy.

“I am not sure how this will work or whether it is necessary at all. The DTI should be on top of this and the last thing we need is a new layer of bureaucracy,” Joseph said.