IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING NICE ..........
Pancho Harrison (adapted)

Each clue below can be answered with a synonym or near-synonym. This synonym can be preceded by a word to make a common phrase. When preceded by the same two letters, this common phrase will be changed into an expression meaning to say something that isn't nice.

Partial example: Given the clue GOVERNING PANELS, the synonym could be BOARDS. BOARDS could be preceded by BASE. 

1. Governing panels
2. Commerce
3. Business executives, informally
4. Daily publications, briefly
5. Form of public transportation

Synonym Answers:
1. BOARDS
2. BUSINESS
3. SUITS
4. PAPERS
5. BUSES

Preceding Words:
1. BASE
2. MEAN
3. FILE
4. GRADE
5. RIDE

Full  Answers:
1. DEBASE BOARDS
2. DEMEAN BUSINESS
3. DEFILE SUITS
4. DEGRADE PAPERS
5. DERIDE BUSES