Malacañang: ES Ochoa not involved in Customs corruption

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday defended one of its officials who has been tagged in the alleged corruption within the embattled Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said there is no truth to reports that Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa Jr. is among the "padrinos" or godfathers protecting supposed corrupt leaders in the BOC.

"I understand that several sources have attributed some things to some personalities that have been named," Valte said at a press briefing.

"The ES has nothing to do with any transactions, any illegal or otherwise, that have been mentioned in the course of these reports. And that is it," she added.

Valte said it is "not uncommon" that the name of the Executive Secretary or any Cabinet official to be floated in such controversies

"At this point there are names that are being floated... He (Ochoa) said he would also want to hear these names," said Valte.

She said the Palace is open on the allegations and evidences that would support them.

Corruption allegations in the BOC resurfaced after President Benigno Aquino III himself lambasted the agency for the supposed malpractice in the bureau.

He said that according to the Department of Finance, more than P200 billion in revenue slips through Philippine borders without going into public coffers.

"Saan po kayo kumukuha ng kapal ng mukha ang mga kawani sa ahensyang ito?" Aquino asked in his speech.

Three officials, including Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, have offered their resignation.

Related story: Another Customs exec quits

The Palace and Biazon have assured that major reforms are underway for the agency.