New Customs chief vows ‘zero tolerance’ for corruption

MANILA, Philippines – On his first day on the job, new Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña vowed to regain public trust in his agency by observing “zero tolerance” for corruption in the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Lapeña, outgoing chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), bared his plan at the BOC turnover ceremonies on Wednesday, August 30, where he officially took over the post from Nicanor Faeldon.

“I will exercise zero tolerance against corruption in the bureau,” the retired police general told BOC officials and employees.

He gave fair warning to those who would not join him in his bid to reform the agency.

“Help me do my job. I cannot do it alone. I need everyone to be on board with me. I still believe that many good men and women remain here in the bureau. Do not let the unscrupulous few continue to destroy the name of the BOC. If you are not with me, step aside because I am looking to steamroll major changes across the bureau,” Lapeña said.

He said he will replicate his “one-strike policy” in PDEA at the BOC “to boost internal cleansing which, of course, shall be supported by intensified counter-intelligence efforts.”

“I intend to give each of you a clean slate, so we can move forward. Just do your work. Prove your worth, and I will back you up. But once I receive reports of your involvement with corrupt practices and such reports are validated: I will not think twice. Pasensiyahan tayo (Well, that’s life),” he told the BOC.

‘No more tara’

Lapeña said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered him to get rid of the BOC’s problems, topped by corruption. (READ: Lacson names ‘corrupt’ Customs officials led by Faeldon)

“The marching order given to me by President Rodrigo Duterte is to address the perennial problems that have beset the BOC for years. My top priority and it should be clear to everyone – is to do away with the culture of pasalubong and tara,” he said.

Duterte had given the same marching orders to Faeldon, who later asked to be fired thrice because of his failure to rid his agency of corruption. The President announced that he accepted Faeldon’s resignation on August 21. 

Lapeña said that under his watch, there would be a strict imposition of the “no-gift and no-take policy” and that he would institutionalize reforms to improve revenue collection efficiency,  and to deter smuggling. 

He urged importers to cooperate with the BOC “by adhering only to legitimate procedures.”

“Part of our job is trade facilitation. Do not give us reasons to hold your shipment and I assure you that under my term as Customs Commissioner, we will collect what is legally proper and correct dues. No more tara. Do not be duped into becoming instruments that contribute to breeding corruption in the bureau,” Lapeña added.

Lapeña took the helm of the BOC as the agency was being investigated for the P6.4-billion shabu shipment smuggled from China.

Testimonies made at congressional inquiries into the smuggling incident painted a web of corruption in the BOC. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV had also alleged that Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and presidential son-in-law Maneses Carpio were involved in smuggling, but both denied it.

Senator Panfilo Lacson had also delivered a privilege speech naming alleged corrupt BOC officials and their bagmen, and private individuals supposedly involved in the tara system. – Rappler.com