New customs chief Isidro Lapeña on Wednesday said he will abolish the customs command center which was created by his predecessor Nicanor Faeldon, that has the authority to issue alert orders which allows questionable shipments to undergo inspection.
The command center is under the direct supervision of then BoC chief Faeldon, where the controversial P6.4-billion shabu shipment passed through without being inspected.
“If that is not in the law, it will be removed. The command center will be stricken out,” Lapeña said in a press briefing after the turnover ceremony at the BoC office in Manila.
Lawmakers has earlier urged Lapeña to abolish the BoC’s Command Center, which was created during the term of former commissioner Faeldon because it had no legal basis and was not provided in the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Norman Cruz
“It centralizes the power of the district collectors as well as the deputy commissioners in the issuance of alerts, seizures, warrant of seizures and detentions,” according to the new commissioner.
During the turnover ceremony, Lapeña said that his top priority is to remove the culture of ‘pasalubong’ and ‘tara.’
“Strictly no gift and no take policy,” he said, adding that he would institute changes to help regain public trust and confidence.
“The marching order given to me by President Rodrigo Duterte is to address the perennial problems that have beset the BoC for years.”
The new BoC chief vows to institutionalize reforms for a more organized and systematic customs administration to improve revenue collection efficiency, and at the same time maintain close monitoring of inbound and outbound cargoes through formal channels to prevent illegal smuggling.
“Similar to what I did with PDEA, I will implement a ‘one-strike policy’ 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,” Lapeña said.
“I am now issuing a stern warning to unscrupulous individuals who plan to use my name to collect money and/or ask favor/s to circumvent laws and regulations: I will get you. If anyone uses my name to facilitate unlawful activities, do not hesitate to apprehend them under citizen’s arrest and you will be given a reward. I will exercise zero tolerance against corruption in the bureau,” he said.
“I am also appealing to all stakeholders, especially the importers, to support and cooperate with us 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.
“To my BoC family, I seek your support and cooperation. 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,” the new BoC chief added
As this developed, Senator Richard Gordon said that the country is better off cutting its ties with China if Chinese authorities refuse to cooperate with the ongoing Senate investigation into the the P6.4-billion shabu that slipped through the Bureau of Customs.
“The drugs came from you, that should end in your country. If you will not cooperate, then I don’t think we should have any relations with China,” said Gordon.
Gordon is the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee which is investigating tne 605 kilos of shabu from Xiamen, which was discovered during a raid in a warehouse in Valenzuela City.
He described as “hostile act” the sending of illegal drugs to the Philipimes. He noted that 50 percent of the illegal drugs in the Philippines are coming from people of Chinese ancestry.
Because of this, he said President Rodrigo Duterte should review the Philippines’ relationship with China.
“If China chooses not to send a representative, I think President Duterte has to review its friendship with China. I am not counting on it but I hope they will. Sa akin, as far as I am concerned, mahirap makipag-deal sa China kung pinapakuha tayo ng drugs,” he said.
Last August 14, Gordon wrote a letter to Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III for his office to seek assistance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) in invoking the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters between the Philippines and China.
“We would deeply appreciate it your good office could write the DOJ for the appropriate representation for assistance,” he said.
Gordon said his committee wants to avail relevant information and documents from Chinese authorities.
He earlier questioned the July 17, 2017 letter sent by China’s Csutoms Officr to former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Farldon, saying no Filipino is involved in the smuggling of the shabu shipment.
“What prompted the Chinese authorities in congratulating the Philippine authorities for seizing the drug shipment, to say ‘there are no Filipinos involved’ in the smuggling? What was their basis for saying ‘there is no other shipment of drugs towards the Philippines?’” Gordon asked.
He said he is set to meet with DOJ officials on how to proceed as far as extending an invitation to Chinese officials to the probe is concerned.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said that while there is nothing wrong in asking the Chinese government for information, they are not compelled to disclose anything.
“We can ask them but they need not response to us. They are a sovereign nation. We can always ask, nothing wrong with asking, baka sakaling sumagot. Pero kung hindi sumagot, wala tayong magagawa,” he added.