Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Napoleon Morales has ordered the creation of a committee to oversee the planned auction of $10-million worth of jewelry seized from a Greek national 21 years ago.
Morales recently issued Customs Special Order no. 1-2008, ordering the creation of a Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) that would handle the hiring of the services of a consultant who would appraise and auction the jewelry.
The jewelry were allegedly found in the possession of Greek national Demetrious Roumeliotes as he was about to flee the country in 1986. They were seized at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Former First Lady Imelda Marcos reportedly also staked a claim on the jewelry. However, in 1999, the Supreme Court ruled that the jewelry did not belong to Mrs. Marcos and forfeited them in favor of the government.
“The BOC will stick to the SC ruling and the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. It’s now time to auction off and turn the funds over to the government for its development programs,” Morales said.
At present, the jewelry is in the custody of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The bureau would announce the date and venue for the auction at a later date or once they have obtained the services of a consultant.
Deputy customs commissioner Gregorio Chavez was named committee chairman and NAIA district collector Carlos So was designated vice chairman. – Evelyn Macairan