BOC chief to respect TRO on revamp

MANILA, Philippines - Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said yesterday that he would follow the 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a Manila court stopping the transfer of 15 district collectors to a new office under the Department of Finance (DOF).       

The Manila Regional Trial Court on Tuesday granted the petition for TRO filed by 15 of 27 Customs collectors earlier ordered transferred to the Customs Policy Research Office (CPRO).

“We would respect that order. But the BOC and the DOF also have their own position,” Biazon said as he gave assurance that the TRO would not affect operations in the bureau.

President Aquino warned Customs officials who managed to stop their reassignments through a court order that the government is bent on effecting reforms in the bureau.        

“I have a place for you,” was Aquino’s reported warning to Customs officials who wish to derail reforms at the bureau.           

“Those who want to cling to the corrupt ways of the past, I tell you, try me and see where that brings you,” Aquino said as he vowed that this time, political patronage would not work. He told journalists that he is replacing a number of people in key positions in order to achieve the goal of the bureau, which is to collect duties in full and prevent smuggling.      

Aquino issued the warning during a gathering of the Brotherhood of Christian Business and Professionals at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.    

He said part of his administration’s efforts to bring changes in the bureau is the appointment of five deputy commissioners led by retired Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa. “The reforms we are implementing in the BOC are proof positive of this,” he said.            

Aside from the appointment of five new Customs officials, the President signed two executive orders that would “inject new blood into the agency, together with fresh ideas and new ways of doing things.”       

“If we only shuffle officials, nothing would ever come of our efforts,” he said, adding that a reset button is needed for an agency that has been the source of corruption in government.

Aquino said government coffers lost an estimated P200 billion in revenues yearly due to corruption.          

“There will be no more security guards acting as collecting officers or warehousemen acting as examiners. Positions will no longer be obtained through patronage, as opposed to merit,” he said.          

The 15 petitioners were former Port of Cebu collector Edward dela Cuesta, Rogel Gatchalian of Manila, Carlos So of NAIA, and Ronnie Silvestre, Raymond Ventura, Ma. Liza Torres, Arnel Alcarez, Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang, Francis Augstin Erpe, Marietta Zamoranos, Imelda Cruz, Carmelita Talusan, Romalino Valdez, Arifeles Carreon, and Lilibeth Sandag.– Delon Porcalla, Zinnia dela Peña