MANILA, (PNA) — The 20-day extension issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court stopping the implementation of Custom Personnel Order No. B-189-2013 would likely prolong the uneasiness in the Bureau of Customs.
However, Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said they will abide of the order of RTC Branch 17 Judge Felicitas Laron-Cacanindin extending the 72-hour temporary restraining order issued by RTC Branch 22 Judge Marino Dela Cruz Jr. on October 1.
“Of course, gaya ng sabi ko basta kautusan ng court we would abide but then this would also extend the tension sa bureau,” he said.
Biazon added, “Yun unrest kasi whether they are extended by 17 days they know after 17 days there are still issues to be resolved about the order that were issued by the leadership. Yun lang concern ko parang extended din unrest and uneasiness dito sa bureau.”
Despite this, he noted the operations of the bureau continue, “As far as operations concerned umaandar tayo. Somehow meron measures in place at people assigned umaandar ang port it is just that the sentiment parang unrest…”
Asked if the present situation has caused division among BOC officials, “I would not say yet. Actually, Imeet ko pa ‘yan collectors this coming week.”
With this, he added that he would call for command conference with district collectors next week.
“I could send out the notices on Monday target ko within the week,” Biazon said.
“Yun lang focus namin continuous operation. Bukod dun wala naman tayo concern. I do not think the collectors would stay and cause trouble. In fact they should even show na naakatulong sila sa pwerto with the extension given to them,” he added.
On Friday, Cacanindin has extended the TRO that prevent the transfer of some top BOC officials particularly the port collectors.
The CPO being assailed has ordered their transfer from their present posts to the Customs Policy Research Office (CPRO) under the Department of Finance (DOF).