Lacierda to Customs collectors: What did you lose?

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Monday said he is wondering why some Customs collectors are refusing to comply with an order of the Department of Finance (DOF) transferring them to another office.

“What the DOF (Department of Finance) did was to transfer them (collectors) to CPRO (Customs Policy Research Office). They were just given new tasks.” Lacierda said.

“You did not lose your status, you did not lose your rank, you were not demoted, so what did you lose? That’s the big question. Why will you file a case? You were just moved to another place,” he added.

Lacierda maintained that the Customs personnel covered by the DOF order did not suffer “irreparable injury.”

“The question now to the tribunal is what irreparable injury happened to them? What did they lose that they filed a petition claiming that ‘we will be injured irreparably,’” he said.

Earlier, the Manila Regional Trial Court prevented the Bureau of Customs from reassigning its personnel to the CPRO, which was formed to create and review policies.

The reassignment order was questioned by 14 Customs collectors who claimed that their new assignments are not consistent with their job descriptions.

They also cited lack of due process and claimed that the DOF order violated their statutory and constitutional right to security of tenure.

The 14 petitioners were former Port of Cebu Collector Edward dela Cuesta, Port of Manila Collector Rogel Gatchalian, NAIA Collector Carlos So, Ronnie Silvestre, Raymond Ventura, Ma. Liza Torres, Arnel Alcarez, Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang, Francis Agustin Erpe, Marietta Zamoranos, Imelda Cruz, Romalino Valdez, Arifeles Carreon, and Lilibeth Sandag.

The Manila Regional Trial Court has extended for 17 days a 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) earlier granted to the collectors. The TRO, which prevented the Customs from reassigning its personnel, will remain in effect until Oct. 20.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima has urged the collectors to support the administration’s reform measures and to accept their orders “with nobility.”

"The Manila RTC's most recent decision serves those who resist reform and cling desperately to the old ways,” Purisima said in a statement.

“This runs counter to President Aquino's agenda to eradicate the predators that plague customs; who prey not just on businesses but on our balikbayans returning from abroad who are hassled for their personal effects," he added.