New Customs deputy commissioners assume posts

MANILA, Philippines – The Customs bureau is nearing the final phase of its revamp as 4 of 5 deputy commissioners assumed their posts on Monday, September 30. 

The newly-appointed deputy commissioners, who paid Bureau of Customs (BOC) Chief Ruffy Biazon a courtesy call, are Jessie Dellosa for the Intelligence and Enforcement group; Agaton Uvero for the Assessment and Operations Coordinating group; Myrna Chua for the Internal Administration group; and Ma. Edita Tan for the Revenue Collection Monitoring group.

The 5th deputy commissioner, Primo Aguas, for the Management Information Systems and Technology group, is abroad.

Change not guaranteed

“The change of personnel does not guarantee that we will meet the [revenue] target because there are factors that affect the target outside the bureau,” Biazon stressed.

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What the reshuffling does is provide “fresh approaches” in the way the agency operates.

“Change is always good, it gives a new perspective, a new approach, there is renewed drive if most of the people are new,” he added.

New post not a demotion

For Dellosa’s part, he said his marching order is to strengthen his group’s anti-smuggling campaign.

“I’m still new to the position. I am still familiarizing myself with the Bureau of Customs and I know there is a big challenge ahead, not only for me but for all of us in the BOC,” Dellosa said.

When asked whether or not he sees the appointment as a demotion from being a former chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, he said he accepts the job with the same commitment to public service. – Rappler.com