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Friday, March 29, 2024

‘Noy backed cronies in BoC’

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A Malacañang ally in the Senate on Sunday criticized President Benigno Aquino III for accepting the resignation of former Bureau of Customs John Philip Sevilla instead of removing the “political pressures” on him, which he said came from the Chief Executive’s party mates.

“You are the President, you should have removed the political pressures which came from your party mates,” Sen. Serge Osmena said in an interview over radio DZBB.

Osmena

Osmena said the President let go of Sevilla because he is not a member of the so-called KKK, which refers to Aquino’s “Kapartido, Kabarilan, Kaklase.”

He noted that this was contrary to the case of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, whom the President repeatedly defended amid charges of corruption.

Osmena said he is not surprised that the President did not reject his offer of resignation despite doing a good job.

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“He is not a KKK, so the President let him go,” said Osmena, who has criticized the President for being “stubborn” and a bad manager.

Osmena described Sevilla as a very honest man whom people see as doing his job well.

“There’s a problem here. What they’re doing is questionable. Why will you change somebody who’s doing good?” he said.

Osmena also said that he can believe reports which said that Sevilla had been pressured by officials of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

“That’s really the situation in different government agencies. The influence of INC is strong, but I’m not saying what they are doing is wrong. Of course, they will have a recommendation – nothing wrong with that. But to give in,  that’s not correct. That’s the fault of the Palace,” explained Osmena.

He expressed hope that Sevilla will reveal the identities of those who exerted political pressures on him when he appears before the Senate.

The Senate committee on justice chaired by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel will investigate the allegations of Sevilla when Congress resumes its session in May.

Asked why the President quickly named Sevilla’s replacement even if many positions remain vacant, Osmena replied: “Money.”

The President announced the appointment of businessman Alberto Lina, who served as Customs commissioner during the term of Presdient Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the same day that he announced that he had accepted Sevilla’s resignation.

Lina was a member of the “Hyatt 10” group of officials which quit the Arroyo administration at the height of the “Hello Garci” controversy.

Osmena said he considered it “very surprising” that Lina was appointed when there were other vacancies which are yet to be filled by the President.

Responding to allegations that Sevilla was being asked to raise P3 billion for the next elections, Osmena said it is very easy to use the bureau because “that is the most corrupt agency.”

Meanwhile, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Lina should be careful that he is not accused of favoring Air21, a freight forwarding firm that he owns, following his appointment.

“I believe there should be an arrangement that his business will not be a hindrance to his job as Customs commissioner,” said Drilon during an interview on DWIZ Sunday.

 

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