DFA clears RP ambassador to Rome

A fact-finding mission of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has cleared Ambassador to Rome Philippe Lhuiller of allegedly abusing his diplomatic privileges.

In a letter dated Feb. 3, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for administration Franklin Ebdalin cleared Lhuiller on accusations of using his diplomatic immunity to facilitate the transport of a container van of goods to the Philippines from Italy last year.

Ebdalin reported there was "no prima facie evidence to establish that there was abuse of diplomatic privileges and immunities with regard to the shipment by the Philippine Embassy, Rome in June 2003."

The issue reportedly started when the Philippine Embassy in the Vatican received a transmittal letter for Lhuiller containing the bill of lading and invoice for certain goods for exportation to the country.

The letter was apparently sent to the wrong address since there are separate embassies for Rome and the Vatican.

Based on previous reports, Lhuiller admitted that sometime June last year, he asked Italian shipper Danzas S.P.A. to send him in the Philippines a container van loaded with used furniture purchased by diplomatic spouses in various flea markets in Italy.

The container van arrived at the Manila International Container Port and was subjected to inspection by Customs inspectors.

A certification was subsequently issued since there were no goods of commercial quantities found as well as the absence of any banned items.

No exemptions were granted for the shipment and Lhuiller paid the appropriate Customs duties and taxes at the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Ebdalin said a copy of the report of a fact-finding mission has been furnished to President Arroyo and DFA Secretary Delia Albert. — Marvin Sy