Barbers cites clamor to sack Customs chief

Sen. Robert Barbers said yesterday that he has received numerous calls, including calls from some employees of the Bureau of Customs, supporting his call for the immediate firing of Customs Commissioner Titus Villanueva.

The privilege speech last Wednesday of Barbers against Villanueva was referred to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee headed by Sen. Joker Arroyo as it involved graft and corruption in a government office.

Barbers said he is ready to present to the committee proof of Villanueva’s alleged participation in the irregularities. He added that he is in the process of collecting more evidence against Villanueva.

"My witnesses are asking for a speedy inquiry as they promised to submit more documentary evidence against Villanueva," Barbers said.

He said that after his privilege speech, his office received several expressions of support from various non-government organizations, religious groups and even from Customs employees.

"Commissioner Villanueva should not stay in his post a minute longer. The response from some Customs employees came as a surprise to me because of their strong support for my call," Barbers said.

Some of the callers submitted information on the reported "juicy positions for sale at the Bureau of Customs."

"While I believe in the allegations of juicy positions for sale, I have yet to confirm these, but I asked these informants to produce evidence and provide witnesses that will prove their allegations," he said.

President Arroyo has already announced the replacement of Villanueva by Finance Undersecretary Antonio Bernardo by March 30, the last day of Villanueva’s six-month extension.

Barbers said that the President should immediately fire Villanueva instead of waiting until March 30. He cited reports that Villanueva is actively moving to get another six-month extension.

Among the issues cited by Barbers against Villanueva are: collection shortfall of P8.885 billion, inaction on overstaying or abandoned cargoes and the P5.3-billion worth of unliquidated bonds that should have been forfeited in favor of the government.

Barbers also blamed Villanueva for the resurgence of rice smuggling and for approving an increase of P4.117 billion in the amount to be paid by the government for the services of Societe Generale de Surveillance.