Senate may probe BOC execs’ involvement in rice smuggling

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate committee on agriculture is looking into the possibility of inviting some Customs officials believed to be conniving with operators behind the multi-billion rice smuggling in the country.

Committee chairperson Sen. Cynthia Villar said she would not hesitate to call for an inquiry once Customs official and former Armed Forces chief Jessie Dellosa reveals the names of those involved in rice smuggling.

Villar said she hopes Dellosa will provide a copy of his report, which reportedly included a senator and some Customs officials.

“If such a report exists. I can ask him, there is nothing wrong with that unless they say it is confidential, for the President.”

She noted that BOC officials had earlier admitted that smuggling and corruption “are rooted in the system.”

“They are saying this but they never mention people who are on top of this. Maybe we can call them, and it will be an opportunity for them to explain their side,” she said.

The senator also cautioned some resource persons who have one way or another evaded past Senate hearings on the issue.

Villar said the committee is now reviewing its records to determine whether these persons will be charged with contempt.