By Genalyn Kabiling
Amid the intensified crackdown on corruption in the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Malacañang has warned traders against paying bribes in exchange for the swift processing of their shipments.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said businessmen should follow the country's customs rules and regulations or else risk facing jail time.
"Ang paalala lang natin, kung ano iyong batas sundin na lang natin. Huwag kayong magtangka na magsuhol dahil siguradong sa kulungan ang inyong dating ," Panelo said in a recent radio interview.
President Duterte recently implemented a major revamp in the BOC to curb corruption and drug smuggling, appointing former military chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero to replace Isidro Lapeña.
Duterte also directed the military to temporarily take over customs operations after placing all personnel on floating status. The President's latest move drew criticisms from some groups but the Palace asserted that such effort was constitutional
Panelo said the President has directed the new customs leadership to stamp out corruption and step up revenue collection.
"Basta iyong kaniyang dating patakaran na walang palakasan. So dapat sundin mo lahat ng patakaran sa batas, ," he said.
"Tapos iyong koleksiyon mo, iyong target mo makuha mo dahil iyon ang kaniyang ine-expect kay BOC Commissioner Guerrero he added.
He added that the Palace expects Guerrero, former Maritime Industry Authority head, to perform his duty with integrity.
"Ang narinig kong sinabi ng Presidente kay BOC Commissioner, gawin niya ang lahat ng magagawa niya; and siya naman known for his strictness, iyong reputasyon niya honest. So sabi niya, gawin mo ang lahat para mag-retire ka diyan ng walang bahid iyong record sa military.
," he said.