DAVAO CITY (October 30) — The military take over at the Bureau of Customs is temporary while the government fixes corruption issue in said office.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President was doing the right move when he placed the BOC under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), but said it is just temporary.
During the Monday Palace press briefing, Panelo said the President had the right to make such move, citing the constitutional provision that the Chief Executive has control of all executive offices like the BOC.
Panelo also explained that the President’s decision finds basis on his continuing authority under the Administrative Code to reorganize executive agencies and redistribute their functions for efficiency.
The Palace cited the case of Kulayan V. Tan, where the Supreme Court stated that the President is “authorized to direct the movements of the naval and military forces placed by law at his command, and to employ them in the manner he may deem most effectual.”
On Sunday, Duterte ordered the military take over at the BOC and those in Manila area will report to Malacañang gym as he will fix the very corrupt system of said bureau.
To avoid lull in the delivery of services, Duterte said all military who are familiar with “Technical operations” should be tapped so the agency can function well.
On the same day, Duterte placed all BOC employees on “Floating” Status.
He explained, he cannot just fire them as he said the legal procedures must be followed.-Editha Z. Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
