20 Customs appointees tender resignation

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), including six deputy commissioners, have resigned from their posts.

The officials – all appointed by President Duterte – tendered their resignation letters to Customs Commissioner Rey Guerrero, BOC spokesman Erastus Sandino Austria confirmed yesterday.

Austria said aside from the six deputy commissioners, officials with the rank of Directors II and III as well as Collector VI quit their posts. 

He said the BOC officials resigned to give Guerrero a free hand in selecting the people whom he believes could help him in running the agency. 

“This is a sign of support and solidarity with the new Customs chief to allow him to choose the people who will work closely with him in carrying out the directives of the President,” Austria said.

He said it is up to Duterte to accept or decline the resignation of the BOC officials.

Last week, Guerrero recommended two of his classmates from the Philippine Military Academy Class 1984 to become his deputies.

Retired Lt. Gen. Donato San Juan is acting deputy commissioner for Internal Administration Group (IAG), replacing Gladys Rosales. Retired Brig. Gen. Raniel Ramiro serves as acting deputy commissioner for Intelligence Group vice Ricardo Quinto.

“Customs chief Guerrero recommended them for the posts, but it is for President’s consideration and appointment. They are OICs and no functions have been formally delegated to them pending the issuance of their appointment papers,” Austria said.

Duterte fires 3 DSWD execs

President Duterte has sacked three undersecretaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed yesterday that Mae Fe Templa and Maria Lourdes Turalde-Jarabe, undersecretaries for protective programs and promotive programs, respectively, vacated their posts after their appointment papers were terminated by the President on Nov. 14.

Undersecretary for disaster response management group Hope Hervilla stepped down from her post following “orders from Malacañang.”

Medialdea said the sacking of the officials would allow newly appointed Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista to bring his own team to the agency.

“We expect him to bring his own team to provide better services to the people,” Medialdea said.

He said the termination of the DSWD officials was not because of their ties with left-leaning groups.

Jarabe was former secretary-general of Gabriela. Hervilla served as regional officer of Bayan Muna.

Templa, a women and children’s rights activist, previously headed the social work program of Assumption College of Davao.

The three were tapped by former DSWD chief Judy Taguiwalo.

“We all serve at the pleasure of the President. We assure the public that the delivery of services will continue,” Assistant Secretary for the Office of the Secretary Glenda Relova said.

Manny Baclagon, president of the Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines, said the three officials were not corrupt.

 “We can’t see any other reason for their dismissal except for their being leftists and associated with Taguiwalo,” Baclagon said.

Taguiwalo left the DSWD after she failed to get confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

Last week, Duterte said other government officials would be sacked for alleged corruption. It was not clear if he was referring to the DSWD executives. – With Edith Regalado, Janvic Mateo, Rainier Allan Ronda