Rejoinder to ‘Customs stinks’

Dear Ms Villanueva,

This is in reference to your article which came out in the 3 May 2013 issue of the Philippine STAR entitled, “Customs stinks,” relative to the foul stench coming from meat and agricultural products seized by the Bureau of Customs.

Please be informed that this Bureau is very much aware of the matter and I have already instructed Atty. Rogel Gatchalian, District Collector of the Port of Manila, to investigate and dispose these products even prior to your newspaper article. However, we would also like to inform you that these seized products cannot be immediately disposed of after seizure. There are certain procedures under the law and regulations which must be observed prior to their disposition. Rest assured that the Bureau of Customs is doing everything allowed by law to speed up the disposal of these items.

On the positive side of the story, the seized items are proof enough that the Bureau of Customs is doing its job of seizing products illegally brought in to the country, and at the same time, preventing their entry to the local market.

Thank you for accommodating me last Friday to personally consult with you on the matter. This is just a formality, prepared last Friday also. Thank you!