Sevilla appointed Customs chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed former finance undersecretary John Philip Sevilla as commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda announced yesterday Sevilla’s “formal appointment” last Dec. 9.

Sevilla was first appointed officer-in-charge of Customs last Dec. 4, replacing Rufino Biazon who resigned after being indicted in the pork barrel scam.

“I am humbled by the President’s trust,” Sevilla said in reaction to his appointment.

Sevilla used to serve as Department of Finance undersecretary for privatization and corporate affairs, a post he held since 2010. He was undersecretary for privatization from 2006 to 2007.

The DOF has jurisdiction over BOC.

Prior to his DOF stint, Sevilla was executive director of investment bank Goldman Sachs and associate director and sovereign rater of credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s.

He was also the chief operating officer of the Synergeia Foundation, a non-profit organization whose task is to help develop the quality of public education in the Philippines.

Sevilla obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Government degree from Cornell University where he graduated cum laude. He also has a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University.

“I will work harder than ever to make a reformed bureau one of his (Biazon’s) legacies,” Sevilla said.

“Whether I am here for two months, one month or 10 days, my work style would not change. I will do exactly the same thing,” he said.

He also vowed to continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima lauded Sevilla’s appointment. “Leadership of the Bureau of Customs requires someone who is results-oriented and an expert in economics, international relations, and project implementation. These traits describe Sunny Sevilla perfectly,” Purisima said. 

“We recognize that it is our temporary loss at the DOF to see Undersecretary Sevilla go, but nevertheless, we wish him the best in this new opportunity to serve the country,” he added. – With Zinnia dela Peña, Evelyn Macairan