Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Broadcaster asks ombud to investigate Guanzon
THE anti-graft office was asked yesterday to look into Presidential Assistant Felix Guanzon’s alleged intervention in a customs operation that held his daughter-in-law’s cargo of used oil.
In a letter to Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol, broadcaster Apolinario “Jun” Arigo Jr. said secured a letter, signed by Guanzon and addressed to the President, asking for the transfer of the customs policeman that held the shipment.
“As I, one time or another, a supporter of the President, am aghast that (President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s) trusted man betrayed her confidence knowing fully-well that she is actively campaigning aggressively against smuggling,” the letter read.
“This investigation should more or less prove if there are no holy cows in the Arroyo administration. Let’s keep the faith of our people in the Ombudsman,” he said.
The Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) of the Bureau of Customs twice reportedly held a tanker truck full of sludge – used but recyclable oil – believed to be owned by the presidential assistant’s family.
The first was last Sept. 3, when ESS policeman Clint Ecleo stopped the truck from leaving the port with its cargo of sludge because it did not have the proper papers, including a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) permit.
It was Ecleo whom Guanzon allegedly wrote to the President about, seeking his immediate relief.
“He has been harassing legitimate businessmen in going in-and-out of CIP and even my daughter-in-law has been victimized,” Guanzon said in his letter to Arroyo last Sept. 24.
The shipment was reportedly eventually released upon orders of then customs deputy collector Elvira Cruz.
The second involved a similar tanker held by Capt. Isidro Estrera, ESS district commander, last Oct. 31
The tanker was held upon orders of Deputy District Collector Julito Doria who noted that recyclable oil is subject to duties and taxes and transporting it from CIP without payment is tantamount to smuggling.
Arigo, in his letter to Apostol, said the smuggling of used oil has been in existence at the Port of Cebu for years.
He said the reason Guanzon raised – that the oil is intended for recycling – should be verified. (KNR)
