PRESIDENT Rodrigo has ordered the "freezing" of several high-ranking officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) who have been linked to corruption, Malacañang announced Wednesday, July 10.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the erring BOC officials are now on floating status. He declined to release their names.

"We continue to dismantle corruption in the bureaucracy and rid it of corrupt officials and employees," the Palace official said.

"The President has directed the freezing of several high-ranking Customs officials and employees, whose names would be disclosed at the appropriate time, as they face administrative and criminal charges, for unlawful activities," he added.

The announcement came a few days after the President bared his plan to fire "more" Customs officials and reiterated his intent to let the military take over the bureau.

It was not the first time that Duterte issued the order. In October 2018, he placed all BOC personnel on "floating status" after the bureau was rocked by a drug smuggling scandal.

A day before Duterte's latest directive, Malacañang said on Tuesday, July 9, that Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the President.

Panelo said the Chief Executive's order merely shows the latter's resolve to make the government free of corruption.

"The President’s latest action underscores this Administration’s zero tolerance on corruption among erring officials," Panelo said.

"The anti-corruption campaign is continuing as it is relentless. No one will be spared," he added. (SunStar Philippines)