38 officials affected in latest Bureau of Customs reshuffle

MANILA, Philippines – Several district collectors and section chiefs of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) were relieved from their posts, as 3 officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) joined the bureau to assume key posts.

This follows BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña’s statement that he would relieve customs officers who would disregard his order to stop corrupt activities within the bureau.

Eight district collectors relieved from their posts were:

• Elvira Cruz of Port of Cebu
• Romeo Rosales of Port of San Fernando
• Julius Premediles of Port of Limay
• Jose Naig of Port of Iloilo
• Carmelita Talusan of Port of Subic
• Divina Garrido of Port of Legazpi
• Halleck Valdez of Port of Zamboanga
• Tomas Alcid of Port of Appari

Meanwhile, 30 section chiefs from the Formal Entry Divisions of the Port of Manila (POM) and Manila International Container Port (MICP) were reassigned to other provincial collection districts.

“There will be more reshuffling if the BOC personnel will not cooperate in the reforms we are making. I told everyone there, I will work within the Bureau. I will be one with them. But we must be all moving in one direction, and that is removing corruption at all levels,” Lapeña said Monday, October 9.

Lapeña urged BOC personnel to stop the practice of “benchmarking” in assessing the value of goods and the so-called “tara” system or bribery.
   
“I personally monitor the ports including its daily collection performance and it is apparent from the records that benchmarking is still being used in the assessment of duties and taxes. This has to stop immediately,” the BOC chief said.

Meanwhile, 3 officials from PDEA – which Lapeña used to head – are joining the BOC.

Melvin Estoque from PDEA Regional Office VII will head the Account Management Office, which is in charge of accrediting importers.

Director Jeoffrey Tacio from PDEA Regional Office I will be the officer in charge of the Import Assessment Service (IAS), which monitors the import values of goods.

Lawyer Jacquelyn De Guzman from PDEA Regional Office IV-B was appointed officer-in-charge of the BOC’s Administration Office. – Rappler.com