BoC commissioner relieves Mangaoang

Cebu customs collector Lourdes Mangaoang has been relieved of her post in a recent reshuffling at the Bureau of Customs.

Last Friday, Mangaong received a copy of Customs Personnel Order No. 169 signed by Customs commissioner Napoleon Morales reassigning her to Iloilo City. Grace Caringal, who was recently assigned at the Subic Freeport, will assume Mangaoang's post starting Monday.

However, Mangaoang and her supporters composed of customs brokers and businessmen questioned her reassignment because the order did not bear the signature of Department of Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, which was the usual procedure.

Mangaoang's supporters are set to publish another statement manifesting their support to her. They are wishing that she would not leave her Cebu post because the business sector is satisfied with her performance.

In a radio interview yesterday, Philexport president Allan Suarez said that they would see what they could do for Mangaoang to retain her post since they are satisfied with her performance.

Although they will also come up with a statement supporting the customs collector, Suarez gave no assurance if the BoC will grant their wish for Mangaoang's retention.

But he said the best way they can do is to respect the bureau's decision. - Flor Z. Perolina