Faeldon gives importers 1 month to ‘spill the beans’

Read his lips: “One month.” Bureau of Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon issued this ultimatum yesterday to the more than 11,000 importers and brokers in the BOC to identify erring Customs personnel or else they will lose their accreditation.

“I don’t believe you don’t know anyone who you have transacted with illicit procedures in doing your business in BOC,” Faeldon told a media forum held in Manila Hotel, where he addressed importers and brokers transacting in BOC.

“I’m already questioning your honesty in doing your business at BOC. In fact, I’m now contemplating of removing all of you, your accreditation and you will start from zero,” he said.

The former Marine captain threatened to cancel the accreditation of importers and brokers starting next year if they continue not to cooperate with him on naming corrupt BOC personnel in the agency.

Faeldon said he has called on the importers and brokers in the past five months to tell him all they know about the illegal activities in BOC, but no one appeared in his office.

His question is why they are not willing to spill the beans?

“I don’t think it will take you one year to decide to go and complain these people. I have already proven to you I mean business, bakit wla sa inyo lumalapit?” Faeldon asked.

The BOC has been languishing on public perception on corruption, perennially ranking among the most corrupt agencies in government.