NBI urges graft raps vs. Customs chief Guerrero, 2 others

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recommended filing criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) over alleged violation of anti-graft and corrupt practices act.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the NBI said Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Ramil Ramiro and acting officer of the Account Management Office James Joven conspired with six private importers for the accreditation of the latter.

The NBI said among the ghost importers the BOC accredited were Gypson International Trading, Blessive Scott International Corporation, Crown Majesty Classic Corporation, Parasol 8 Corporation, Liuzhiga International Trading and Dragonluck Enterprises Co.

The NBI said they visited the address of the importers but they were non-existent.

The NBI also contacted one of the owners listed but the latter admitted he was paid to pretend to be the owner.

“Nagulat na lang din po ako. ’Yong kasamahan ko rin po kasi nandoon ‘yong pangalan namin pero wala naman po akong ganong kalaking halaga. Ordinaryong tao lang po ako,” he said.

The NBI said Guerrero needs to be charged as he took upon himself the responsibility of approving the application for accreditation of the importers.

The NBI added that the grant of Certification of Accreditation by Guerrero has given the named importers “unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference despite their failure to comply with the minimum standards set forth by Customs regulations."

The NBI said the six ghost importers were able to ship in the country about P500 million worth of items.

Meanwhile, Guerrero said signing the accreditation of the importers was only “ministerial” to end the “consignees for hire modus.”

When sought by GMA News Online for his reaction, Guerrero declined to further comment on the matter.

“[I] will answer charges in the proper forum,” Guerrero said in a Viber message Friday.

Moreover, Joven said his office only relied on the documents submitted by the applicant-importers considering that there is a need to immediately grant such registrations pursuant to Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

He added that the BOC adopted only a “post-inspection” measure on the qualifications of the importers should there be problems that may arise thereafter.

Ramiro, meanwhile, has yet to comment on the matter.— Ma. Angelica Garcia and Ted Cordero/LDF/RSJ, GMA News