BOC employee faces investigation over controversial TV interview

A Bureau of Customs (BOC) employee is now facing investigation over his controversial statement made during a television interview that many construed was an admission to corruption.

Customs Deputy Commissioner Arturo Lachica said an administrative case could be filed against Rommel Francisco depending on the result of the invetigation.

"We have endorsed it to our intelligence group which will conduct the investigation," Lachica said. "If warranted, an administrative case will be filed [against him]."

Francisco, president of the Port of Manila chapter of the BOC Employees Association, gave the statement during a GMA News report on the BOC's move to install CCTV cameras in the bureau to curb corruption.

In his interview, Francisco opposed the installation of CCTV cameras in their offices, saying it violates their human rights.

"Bakit naman kami tututukan niyan? Wala bang violation ng karapatang pantao namin iyan?" he said.

"Subukan kaya nilang itaas iyong sahod namin. Ibigay sa amin ang tamang benepisyo. Sa tingin ba nila gagawa pa kami ng ganoon?" Francisco added.

Customs chief Alberto Lina, however, said BOC personnel should not be wary of the measure on CCTV cameras if their conscience is clear.

"Bakit sila matatakot kung wala naman silang ginagawang hindi karapat-dapat?" Lina said. —KBK, GMA News