Malacañang transfer eyed for BOC ‘64’

MANILA, Philippines — The 64 high-ranking officials and employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) who are being investigated for corruption might be transferred to Malacañang.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, acting spokesman of the bureau, said the personnel might be put under the Office of the President.

“(They might be re-assigned) pending final resolution of the charges against them, administrative or otherwise,” Maronilla added. 

He maintained that President Duterte would not dismiss the employees without due process.

“The President has already stated that he will respect the rights of these employees, including of course their right to due process,” Maronilla said.

Duterte earlier ordered the freezing of the BOC officials and employees suspected to be engaged in corruption. He ordered them to report to Malacañang tomorrow, turn in their resignation or he would file charges against them.

It was reported yesterday that Duterte would use the suspects to clean up the Pasig River by removing the water lilies that obstruct his barge. 

“Whatever the directive will be by the President, the BOC will abide by it,” said Maronilla. “We are sure that the President took into consideration existing civil service laws and has established the legality of his decision.” 

Maronilla has assured the public that the removal of the BOC personnel would not affect the agency’s operations.

“We would still find a solution so our overall operations would not be affected. We have augmentation teams coming from different services such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines who underwent training,” he said.