BOC chief denies resignation rumors

MANILA, Philippines - Customs Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla yesterday denied rumors that he has resigned from his post.

When asked to deny or confirm the issue Sevilla, in a text message to The STAR, said: “No. Not true. Very full schedule, in fact.”

He said he has no idea who might be behind the rumors, as he is very busy at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

“I do not know and with the bulk of work, I do not have time to think about that,” he said.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima also denied the rumors.

“It’s not true. He is doing great and has the full support of the administration,” he told The STAR.

BOC spokesperson Charo Logarta-Lagamon said those who came out with the false story might have mistaken Sevilla for Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service director Alejandro Estomo, who tendered his resignation on Monday. 

Lagamon said while Sevilla has no plans to leave the bureau, he would depart in two weeks to meet with other Customs chiefs from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member-countries in Vietnam. She said the BOC chief would only be gone for a week.

Lagamon said some individuals or organizations, who might have been affected by the reforms that Sevilla instituted at the bureau, could be behind the rumors.