18 exporters ask Noy to fire DOF exec

MANILA, Philippines - At least 18 exporters have sought the intercession of President Aquino for the possible replacement of a Department of Finance (DOF) official whose “indifference” they fear may result in the death of the country’s garment and textile industry.

In a two-page letter, manufacturing organizations complained about the “unilateral” decision of Sheila Castaloni, head of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) Inter-Agency Tax Credit and Duty Drawback Center under the (DOF), to suspend the processing of tax credit certificate (TCC) applications.

“Since she was appointed last July 16, Castaloni has effectively suspended the issuance and usage of TCCs to the detriment of export firms which rely on these TCCs to maintain their competitiveness in the world market,” manufacturing groups said.

“We urge (Aquino) to replace Castaloni with a more qualified functionary who could manage the OSS Center with the knowledge and vision to support the Philippine export sector, especially one with unquestioned competence, integrity and probity,” they added.

The letter was also coursed through Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. It was sent by James Shih, president of Taiwan Association, who represented other export firms registered with the DOF’s Bureau of Investment.

According to the exporters, Castaloni reportedly showed her “indifference” for the past three months she was at the OSS helm, an issue that was conveyed to Finance Undersecretary Carlo Carag although “no word has been given as to what official action” would be taken.

The exporters said that Castaloni asked for more time for her to study and familiarize herself with the job when she paid a courtesy call on them, but “gave no indication as to how long she needed to gain the confidence to start performing her role as officer-in-charge of the OSS Center.”

Shih said this forced the manufacturing groups to write Castaloni a letter to which she again replied “that she was studying the claims that were now piling up on her table.”

“She has not asked us any questions about our claims pending in her office, nor has she written to any of the concerns and questions she may have that would help her establish the validity and legitimacy of our transactions,” the manufacturing groups said.

At least 36 officers and employees of the OSS Center have also petitioned Purisima to replace Castaloni, who they said has been treating them unfairly by uttering offensive words and insinuating that most, if not all of them, engage in corrupt practices.

“We find her incompetent to lead the office. She lacks the emotional maturity and mental stability to deal with the officers and staff of the OSS Center and representatives of exporter-claimants,” the officials and employees wrote Purisima.

“She has been engaged in witch hunting by finding fault on us, thus making the objective of working in harmony with her a total impossibility,” they added.

Other issues they raised were Castaloni’s threats to file charges against them, her alleged berating of a cashier whom she accused of stealing P300 allowance, her refusal to be briefed on operational matters, and alleged “throwing of tantrums.”

“She promotes divisiveness and factionalism within the OSS Center, pitting the faction of a select few against the overwhelming majority, adversely affecting the free flow of work and operational efficiency and effectiveness in the office,” the workers added.