Press Release
October 26, 2018

Lacson: Incoming BOC Chief Has Big Boots to Fill

More at: https://pinglacson.net/2018/10/26/incoming-boc-chief-has-big-boots-to-fill/

Newly appointed Bureau of Customs Commissioner Leonardo Rey Guerrero will have big boots to fill as he replaces the newly "promoted" Isidro Lapeña, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Friday.

But Lacson also noted that while Lapeña was promoted in rank and position, his transfer to a new post may well be a demotion in trust and confidence.

"It may well be a promotion in rank and position, but definitely a demotion in trust and confidence. It's a pity because save for the big shabu shipment that got away, apparently due to collusion between the drug syndicate and some low level Customs officials, former Commissioner Lapeña was doing a good job proven by consistently exceeding the Bureau's target collections," Lacson said.

"Having said that, the President has once again shown zero tolerance as far as his war on drugs is concerned," he added.

On Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the removal of Lapeña from the BOC and his replacement by Guerrero, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Guerrero had been heading the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) before he was named to head the BOC.

Lapeña was "promoted" to a Cabinet position as head of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

"I hope retired Gen. Guerrero can fill in the big boots left by Lapeña but not suffer the same fate as he did," Lacson said.

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