Nothing wrong with PRRD move placing BOC under ‘military control’

“(It) certainly (does) not (violate the Constitution), because the BOC chief is a civilian; the BOC is under the DOF (Department of Finance), and the DOF is under the President. (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday said there is nothing improper in President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement to place the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under “military control”.

“Putting the Bureau of Customs under the watchful eye of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is a temporary measure to ensure that massive entry of illegal drugs, which threaten public safety, is immediately stopped. The bureau is headed by retired General Rey Guerrero who is now a civilian,” Guevarra said.

The justice chief said the measure does not violate the rule that civilian rule prevails over the military.

“(It) certainly (does) not (violate the Constitution), because the BOC chief is a civilian; the BOC is under the DOF (Department of Finance), and the DOF is under the President.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the transfer of Customs chief Isidro Lapeña to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and designated Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero to take over the bureau.

Duterte made the announcement in front of military and government officials, including Lapeña and Guerrero, during the 117th anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard in Port Area, Manila on Thursday.

The change in the BOC’s leadership came because of the issue on the PHP6.8-billion shabu shipment which allegedly slipped into the country through magnetic lifters.