Customs deputy chief Dellosa: I will not resign

MANILA, Philippines – Despite calls for him to leave the Bureau of Customs (BOC) following the resignation of Commissioner John Sevilla, Deputy Commissioner Jessie Dellosa said he has chosen to stay in the tax-collecting agency.

In a statement released on Tuesday, April 28, Dellosa – who heads the agency’s intelligence group – insisted he will not resign since there is no order for him to step down.

“I will stay despite the call to resign. I will not allow the shrewd and the scheming to ease me out of the Bureau on the often cited principle of delicadeza. Ganun nga, people with delicadeza often resign because they think that it is the righteous thing to do, that is why those [who are] ‘cunning’ get away with their strategy. I have my marching orders, and I will leave only when the appointing authority orders my relief,” he said.

The statement was released just days after Sevilla resigned from BOC. Among the reasons cited by Sevilla for his resignation is because of political nominees being pushed for certain positions in the agency. 

“I will stay because, at a time when the Bureau is hiring and promoting new personnel who underwent a selection process that is insulated from politics and patronage, our people should see that we are capable of implementing a level playing field, where merit, competence, and potential take precedence over kinship, connections, and promise of payback,” Dellosa said.

He added that Sevilla’s resignation, which was triggered by “politicking,” has exposed problems and issues of the customs to the public. In fact, Sevilla announced his resignation a day after he vowed not to allow BOC be used for campaign fundraising for the 2016 elections.

“I realized the wisdom behind his resignation. Let’s not put to waste the sacrifice he made when he resigned. He took a step backward so the reformists in BOC can take two steps forward. Let us look at it as an opportunity now for the public to realize the uphill battles we face on a daily basis, and seek broad support for the sustainment of the reform momentum,” he said.

Dellosa also expressed optimism that returning Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and President Benigno Aquino III are committed to implementing reforms in the agency. He added that “there is still much work that needs to be done, and the initial successes must be nurtured and sustained.”

Dellosa was former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff before he was appointed to BOC in 2013. He replaced retired general Danilo Lim, who resigned after Aquino criticized the agency in his 4th State of the Nation Address. – Rappler.com