Filtered By: Topstories
News

Palace: Duterte won't intervene in Customs shabu mess


President Rodrigo Duterte is not going to interfere in the issue hounding the Bureau of Customs (BOC) involving the P6.4 billion worth of shabu that entered the country from China, Malacañang said Friday.

At the Mindanao Hour briefing, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte "will allow the process to unfold," referring to the ongoing investigation by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on the issue.

"Well, as the President said, he has not, he does not intervene in matters like this. He will allow the process to unfold," Abella said, defending Duterte's silence on the issue that was pointed out by Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Panfilo Lacson.

"I think it’s not unusual that he’s quiet about that," Abella added. "It's simply saying that he will not interfere because the process has begun."

The shabu shipment, which was seized in a warehouse in Valenzuela City last May, has triggered calls for the resignation of Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon. At least two ranking BOC officials have resigned since Congress started its investigation.

Abella said it will be up to Duterte whether or not to fire Faeldon. "You know, whatever it is, it will have to be the President's decision," he said.

Abella said he would also not indulge in speculations when asked to comment on Trillanes' claim that someone close to Duterte could be linked to the shipment.

Duterte on Wednesday reiterated his promise to step down if any of his children will be involved in corruption after Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, his eldest son, was mentioned in the House hearing on the drug shipment—KBK, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT