Palace on unconstitutionality of PASG (4:10 p.m.)

MANILA -- Malacanang on Tuesday expressed concern over the ruling of a local court declaring Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) unconstitutional.

Newly-appointed Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said that although they have not yet received a copy of the ruling, this decision would impair the continuing fight of the government against smuggling.

“Well, definitely it will because as we had been envisioned, the creation of the anti-smuggling task group is to curb the smuggling activities particularly in the waterfronts and even in some private ports,” Mendoza said.

Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. of the Manila Regional Trial Court ruled that PASG is unconstitutional since its duty was only a duplication of the Bureau of Customs duty. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)