Sevilla: Fixing the Customs’ image

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler talks to John “Sunny” Sevilla, the newly appointed commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Sevilla, who was an investment banker and finance undersecretary before he was appointed by the President in December, will talk about dealing with the bureau’s negative image and the changes he is planning to implement. (READ: Carandang resigns; Customs chief named)

In 2013, the BOC under his predecessor Ruffy Biazon was singled out by President Aquino in his 4th State of the Nation Address for alleged incompetence and corruption. (READ: Aquino shames customs bureau)

Adding to the heat was Biazon, as former Muntinlupa congressman, being named respondent in a complaint over the pork barrel scam filed by the justice department with the Ombudsman in November. (READ: Customs chief, 33 others in PDAF case)

Sevilla will also talk about alleged top rice smuggler David Bangayan (or David Tan), who admitted before senators on January 22 that he had used farmers’ cooperatives to import rice. The scheme, which senators say is illegal, involves financiers and brokers using the rice importation permits of farmers’ cooperatives for a fee. (READ: Alleged rice smuggler admits using dummies)

Watch the interview below.

– Rappler.com