Panlilio named DTI undersecretary, BOI head

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed Cristino L. Panlilio as Trade and Industry undersecretary and managing head of the Board of Investments (BOI).

Mr. Aquino has likewise renamed Lilia B. De Lima as Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). De Lima has been PEZA head since the time of President Fidel V. Ramos.

“The appointment was surprising and unexpected. It happened in the last 10 days,” Panlilio said in a telephone interview.

“I have been in businesses that receive very little incentives,” he said. Before his appointment last July 8, Panlilio was president of the Balibago, Waterworks System Inc. (BWSI), Crystal Liquid Philippines Inc. (CLPI) ProDyn Business Consultants Inc., and Ketmar Fastfood Corp.

Panlilio said that although he was appointed last week, he has yet to meet with fellow Atenean Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo. “I am still in transition,” Panlilio said,adding   that he still needs to settle some matters related to his businesses.

With regards to his stint in BOI, Panlilio said they will be reviewing all companies enjoying the incentives.

“We will review the priority areas. Although we will not change them dramatically, I would like to see certain industries grow more,” Panlilio said.

These industries are health, education, exports, business process outsourcing, tourism and agriculture.

“I want to focus on tourism. I want to encourage private airports in Cagayan, Ilocos and Surigao – the surfing capital of the Philippines,” Panlilio said.

“The airports must be 15 minutes away in order to boost tourism,” he said. He said tourism will definitely boost employment in the countryside.