Collectors urged to heed call for Customs reforms

MANILA, Philippines - Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima has urged protesting officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to heed President Aquino’s call for reforms in the graft-tainted agency.

Purisima issued this statement after the Manila Regional Trial Court extended for 17 days a 72-hour temporary restraining order earlier granted to 14 BOC collectors who had been ordered transferred to a newly created office under the Department of Finance.

The TRO, which remains in effect until Oct. 20, prevents the BOC from reassigning its district collectors to the Customs Policy Research Office (CPRO) as part of the reforms being initiated by the bureau.

Created under Executive Order 140, the CPRO is tasked with reviewing tariff and customs administration policies.

“President Aquino’s quest to stamp out corruption across many institutions is a long and challenging task, and at times it will be difficult for all of us. To our colleagues in the BOC, I call on you to share our President’s vision and accept your orders with nobility,” Purisima said.

The 14 BOC collectors questioned the powers of the Customs commissioner to transfer them to the CPRO, an office whose principal purpose is research and policy formulation that they claimed is inconsistent with their job description. 

They also cited lack of due process and violation of their respective statutory and constitutional right to security of tenure.

The 14 petitioners were former Port of Cebu Collector Edward dela Cuesta, Port of Manila Collector Rogel Gatchalian, NAIA Collector Carlos So, Ronnie Silvestre, Raymond Ventura, Ma. Liza Torres, Arnel Alcarez, Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang, Francis Agustin Erpe, Marietta Zamoranos, Imelda Cruz, Romalino Valdez, Arifeles Carreon, and Lilibeth Sandag.

Purisima said the extension of the TRO would only hamper reform efforts.

“The Manila RTC’s most recent decision serves those who resist reform and cling desperately to the old ways. This runs counter to President Aquino’s agenda to eradicate the predators that plague Customs and prey not just on businesses but on our balikbayans returning from abroad who are hassled for their personal effects,” he pointed out.

Purisima also emphasized that the transfer was not in any way a demotion or dismissal contrary to previous allegations, saying the officials were selected due to their rich experience and extensive training in customs policy and operation.

“In preparing for our goal to be the most competitive economy for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economic integration in 2015, it is important that we have intellectual leadership to guide our customs policy-making,” Purisima said.

“The CPRO officials will continue to enjoy the remuneration due their rank and seniority. Their salary and benefits will not be reduced. The assignment to form the CPRO is the furthest thing from a demotion or dismissal – it is a call for these officials to take a greater part in revitalizing the bureau.”