Palace mum on charges against Biazon

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has no comment yet on the charges filed against Bureau of Customs Commissioner (BOC) Ruffy Biazon in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.

In a press briefing, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte refused to comment if Biazon should take a leave of absence pending the investigation of the Office of the Ombusdman on the alleged multi-billion peso scam.

"My instructions are to defer [comments] until such time that I have been able to discuss this with the President," she said.

Valte said she had already asked the President but he was in a meeting with Cabinet members when the news broke out around noon today.

The National Bureau of Investigation filed charges of malversation of public funds, graft and corruption, and direct bribery against 34 individuals for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

Seven former lawmakers including Biazon, were charged for allegedly getting kickbacks from pork barrel funds diverted to dubious non-government organizations of suspected scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

Read: Customs chief Biazon, 33 others charged over 'pork' scam

Biazon, a former a Muntinlupa representative, allegedly got kickbacks worth P1.95 million.

A member of the Liberal Party, Biazon wa part of the senatorial ticket of President Aquino in the 2010 national elections.

During his State of the Nation Address last July, Aquino blasted the BOC for failing to stop the smuggling of goods and weapons and the entry of illegal drugs into the country.

"Saan po kayo kumukuha ng kapal ng mukha ang mga kawani sa ahensyang ito?" Aquino said in his address.