Palace defends Customs chief, no word on resignation rumors

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday backed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner John Philip Sevilla amid rumors that he is on his way out.

In a televised press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda expressed satisfaction over Sevilla's institutional reforms in the BOC such as the replacement of some commissioners and the removal of some customs collectors.

"Nag-improve ang collections sa Customs. Wala kaming nakikitang katwiran kung bakit nagkaroon ng ganitong balitang magbibitiw si Commissioner Sunny Sevilla," Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the Palace has neither received any official word nor heard any information on Sevilla's planned resignation.

The STAR reported on Wednesday that Sevilla dismissed rumors that he had resigned or would quit his post.

According to the report, BOC spokesperson Charo Lagamon also denied that Sevilla was forced to quit by some people whose illegal dealings and businesses were affected by the strict policies by the agency.

The report cited Malacañang sources who revealed that there have been meetings with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima regarding Sevilla's resignation.

Sevilla was appointed BOC chief in December 2013 after Ruffy Biazon quit the post following the filing of graft and malversation charges against him in connection with the pork barrel scam.

It was the same year when President Aquino berated the BOC in his State of the Nation Address for the continuing corruption and inefficiency plaguing the agency.