MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the alleged corruption in the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
In his Department Order No. 383, DOJ secretary Menardo Guevarra said the NBI must “conduct a thorough investigation and case buildup on the alleged graft and corrupt practices in the BOC.”
Guevarra directed the NBI to “file appropriate charges against persons found responsible” if it finds evidence of corruption.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, President Rodrigo Duterte said Customs collected P585 billion in 2018, which could have grown bigger without corruption.
“Imagine how much more could have been collected had the BOC been clean and less corrupt,” Duterte said.
Around 64 employees were relieved of their duties at Customs by Duterte, saying he was fed up with corruption in the agency.
He added he could cut corruption in the government by a third once he weeds out crooked officials and employees from the BOC.
Duterte was vocal about his disappointment in Customs, especially about reports on deep-rooted corruption and red tape./PN
