Smuggled diesel not from Clark

MANILA, Philippines - We would like to correct erroneous news reports that came out in the September 7 issue of your paper, stating “seized and forfeited tax-free fuel sold at the Port of Clark.”

First and foremost, the case against the erring gas station was heard and decided by Mr. Edward P. dela Cuesta, District Collector, Port of Clark, and does not necessarily mean that the incident happened inside Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), or that the contraband diesel fuel was sourced from the Clark Freeport.

Second, the gasoline station’s illegal activities in San Simon, Pampanga do not equate to any wrongdoing within the Clark Freeport Zone simply due to its proximity.

The subsequent hearings were conducted at the Clark Customs office until the final decision was penned by the District Collector only because San Simon, Pampanga is within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Customs, Port of Clark.

Unfortunately, the manner in which the news item was written placed Clark in bad light, insinuating that said fuel came from Clark which is farthest from the truth.

The malicious imputations against Clark as brought about by the erroneous news account were obviously a deliberate attempt to undermine any effort by the Freeport management to explain its campaign against smuggling in a House Committee hearing scheduled the following day, Sept. 8.

Clark Development Corp. continues to actively participate in the programs of the Bureau of Customs, including the curtailment of illegal activities and contraband within the Clark Freeport Zone.

We hope that this clarifies the news item and we trust that your paper will allow us ample space to explain our side of the matter. — Angelo Lopez, Jr., Manager, Public Relations Department, Clark Development Corp., Clark Freeport