Belmonte says brother to resign from Customs

MANILA, Philippines - House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said his brother Ricardo will resign from his post in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday.

“My brother will join other senior officials in filing his courtesy resignation today to give way to the call of Commissioner Ruffy Biazon," a state news agency report quoted the House leader as saying.

Belmonte has been accused in reports as one of the officials allegedly protecting corrupt personnel in the Bureau of Customs (BOC), which was publicly berated by President Benigno Aquino III.

The House leader has denied the allegations.

"[M]y brother Ricardo has been in the Bureau of Customs for 34 years with an impeccable record. He certainly doesn't need me to back him. And I have never done so," Belmonte said in an earlier statement.

Biazon has announced there will be a reshuffling of Customs personnel as part of the reforms to be implemented in the bureau.

The Customs chief himself has offered to resign but was rejected by Aquino. At least two officials have also offered to step down from their post.

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Monday denied reports that Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares is being eyed to replace Biazon.

“I spoke to Commissioner Kim Henares. I asked and she responded to me that nobody has ever told her... she is not aware of any plans," said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Lacierda said the President may likely decide this week whether to accept or deny the offer to resign of two BOC commissioners.

He said Biazon enjoys Aquino's trust and should be given the chance to initiate reforms in the agency.

"Si Commissioner Biazon only came in a year I think so you have to give him time to do the necessary reforms. There are certainly difficulties in the job, it will take some time," he said.

"In terms of tenure in the Customs, compared to the other people, bago lang si Commissioner Biazon," he added.