Faeldon's allegations vs Lacson son should be probed – Palace

MALACANANG

on Thursday said that the alleged involvement of a son of Senator Panfilo Lacson in smuggling, as alleged by resigned Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, should be investigated.

"That also has to be verified and also has to undergo proper investigation," Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told a press conference when sought for reaction on Faeldon's allegation against Lacson's son, who is engaged in cement importation.

Earlier in the day, Faeldon unearthed the alleged 67 shipments of smuggled cement worth P6.4-billion belonging to Bonjourno, a firm owned by the senator's son and namesake, Panfilo Jr.

Faeldon said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) learned that smuggled cement amounting to P106 million were imported last July 12, 13, and 15.

The resigned Customs chief questioned Bonjourno's capacity to ship smuggled cement when it only had P20,000 in capitalization in 2015.

"The total of three ships in three days is P106 million. I checked it today," Faeldon said.

"How can he afford P106 million in just three days? Three ships of shipment but ladies and gentlemen, it’s just three ships of shipments. I had it checked in our system since I assumed office, Ping Lacson Jr. carried out 67 shipments," he added.

Faeldon fired back at Lacson after the senator accused him of receiving P100 million in "pasalubong" when he assumed as BOC head in 2016.

Faeldon denied the allegation but admitted that there were attempts to bribe him. He said he never accepted any bribe during his stint at BOC.

Asked if there is a need to investigate the allegation against Faeldon, Abella said President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes any investigation on reported irregularities perpetrated by public officials.

Abella, however, said the executive branch does not want to intervene since there is already an ongoing probe into the corruption and smuggling issues hounding the Customs department.

"Of course, the President will support all investigations. At this stage, since the inquiries have started, I think it's best that we do not be seen interfering in any way at all," he sai d .