DOF: Smuggling suspect no longer one of us

MANILA, Philippines –  The Department of Finance (DOF) yesterday denied allegations made by its attached agency, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), that a man who allegedly tried to facilitate the release of P10 million worth of smuggled counterfeit items is part of their Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS).

In a statement, DOF Assistant Secretary Peter Calimag clarified that contrary to a statement issued by the BOC last Dec. 10, Ruben Frugoso is no longer connected with RIPS, the DOF’s anti-corruption arm, and has actually been placed on floating status.

Calimag said Frugoso is reportedly facing several cases and legal proceedings before the Office of the Ombudsman, Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Court of Appeals (CA).

“Frugoso is now facing graft charges before the Ombudsman for unexplained wealth and was suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman on June 29, 2007,” he said.

Frugoso was also allegedly charged by the DOF’s board of personnel inquiry for absences without official leave last April 17, 2006, which was a ground used for his suspension in August 2006.

The DOF is also asking the public to report through its website www.perangbayan.com, any person or group they believe is using the DOF for their illegal activities.