MANILA, (PNA) — Secretary of Finance Cesar Purisima urged officials of the Bureau of Customs to see and stand by President Benigno S. Aquino’s vision to reform the troubled agency.
This came after 15 BOC officials were able to obtain a 17-day extension to the Temporary Restraining Order blocking their assignment to the newly-created Customs Policy Research Office.
“President Aquino’s quest to stamp out corruption across many institutions is a long and challenging task, and at times it will be difficult for all of us. To our colleagues in the BOC, I call on you to share our President’s vision and accept your orders with nobility,” Purisima said.
The assignment of the officials to the CPRO was ordered by BOC Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon in Customs Personnel Order (CPO) No. B-189-2013.
Manila RTC Executive Judge Marino Dela Cruz originally granted a 72-hour TRO to the petitioners, and the TRO was extended on Oct 4, 2013 by Manila RTC Judge Felicitas Laron-Cacanindin.
In the time since the Judge Dela Cruz’s October 1 Decision, Subic Port Collector V Carmelita Talusan has withdrawn from the case; while Imelda Cruz, Collector V at the Port of Manila tendered an irrevocable resignation on Oct 2, 2013.
Meanwhile, petitioner Arefiles Carreon has reported to the DOF and has attended the orientation on CPRO.
Purisima said the extension on the TRO would only interfere with the long-awaited reforms at the Bureau.