BOC's Gambala denies benefiting from 'tara' system

Deputy Customs Commissioner Gerardo Gambala on Wednesday denied that he was among those who received bribe money or "tara" at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

"Alam ng Diyos kung ano ang mga ginawa ko. Wala akong maitatago sa Kanya," Gambala, a former military officer, said in a report on 24 Oras.

"That's why I submit to His will and hold on to His promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me."

The allegation was made by Senator Panfilo Lacson during a privilege speech on Wednesday afternoon.

Lacson, during his speech, showed a Powerpoint presentation displaying the names of Gambala and over 30 other Customs officials, including former commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, supposedly involved in the corruption.

The BOC is under fire over the discovery of a massive shabu shipment from China amounting to P6.4 billion in Valenzuela City that apparently slipped through Customs inspection. —KBK/KVD, GMA News