Oil firm denies P4.1-B smuggling raps

MANILA, Philippines -  An official of Jetti Petroleum Inc. said yesterday they have yet to receive a copy of a formal complaint filed by former Customs commissioner Angelito Alvarez accusing the oil firm of technical smuggling worth P4.1 billion.

In a statement, Jetti president Joselito Magalona said they welcomed the filing of the complaint since this would enable them to respond to the charges and clear their company’s name.

Magalona said contrary to Alvarez’s allegations, the company paid all the duties and taxes for its importation of diesel fuel and gasoline through its Mindanao facility from June 2010 to June 2011.

“We are not smugglers, we have not smuggled and we will not smuggle. We have not cheated the government of any tax or duty. We do not owe the government any unpaid taxes. Anyone who says otherwise – and this includes Commissioner Alvarez – is either sorely mistaken or lying,” Magalona said.