BOC spokesperson Jet Maronilla said the agency will cooperate with any investigation plan linked to the issue.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 27) — The Bureau of Customs is the government agency that eight of out nine presidential candidates want to investigate for allegations of corruption.
Former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, labor leader Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, ex-Defense chief Norberto Gonzales, Sen. Ping Lacson, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor Jr. and Vice President Leni Robredo said on Sunday during the CNN Philippines presidential debate that they want to probe the agency if they win the presidency.
“We welcome, cooperate and support any and all investigations. We also welcome the assignment of a resident ombudsman in BOC,” he said.
The bureau, currently led by Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, has been plagued by corruption allegations for decades. A panel of lawmakers earlier proposed that it be abolished because of endemic corruption.
The agency intensified its anti-corruption drive in late 2021 by investigating over 100 personnel, which resulted in the filing of 31 administrative cases.
President Rodrigo Duterte has acknowledged the rampant corruption inside the Customs, but he has cleared Guerrero of any wrongdoing.
Senator Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, answered that he wants to probe the Department of Health (DOH).
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has been conducting hearings to look into the alleged anomalous procurement of the DOH and other agencies on procurement related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
