Customs delaying probe with non-cooperation -- anti-smuggling czar

The Bureau of Customs is not cooperating with the investigation of several smuggling cases, thus delaying their resolution, Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group chief Antonio Villar Jr. said Tuesday.

“We are having some difficulties because Customs isn’t helping. They haven’t given documents to the PASG, such as those on seized cargo and items. I wrote them a month ago and there is still no reply," Villar said in Filipino.

The PASG chief said he plans to take up the issue with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but is still hoping that Customs would just, on their own, cooperate with his group’s investigation.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves earlier told Customs, which is under his department, and the PASG to settle their differences and work together, especially following reports that some Customs are being investigated for their alleged involvement in smuggling.

Teves, in a radio interview, said the DOF would do its own probe and eventually file its separate charges if proven that these officials are really involved.

The PASG noted that some customs collectors, cargo examiners and appraisers are among the 100 people they are investigating.

The PASG’s Villar also urged lawmakers to review the security of tenure for both Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue and eventually amend the law because some officials are able to avoid penalties.

“If it’s possible, legislators should change the system so that those officials who would be charged would be immediately removed," he said. -GMANews.TV