Friday, February 15, 2013



MALACAÑANG assured on Friday that the government will continue carrying out the law to stop smuggling in the country, particularly after Sen. Miriam Santiago expressed plans to investigate the alleged illegal entry of used cars in Port Irene in Cagayan. 

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will implement the law to stop the entry of used cars in Cagayan until the Supreme Court settles a legal dispute on an executive order regarding the issue. 

“Meron ding legal situation when it comes to CEZA (Cagayan Economic Zone Authority) dahil pending ang challenge sa EO in the Supreme Court. So merong both sides—one side is saying, puwede; the other side is saying, hindi puwede ipasok kasi meron pang challenge sa EO,” Valte said. 

“Since meron nang Supreme Court decision on the matter upholding that particular EO, the Bureau of Customs will act accordingly,” she added. 


The Palace official also said BOC Commissioner Rufino Biazon still enjoys the trust and confidence of the President. 

Asked about the possibility that the issue on used cars in Cagayan will be used as a campaign issue against Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and his son who is vying for a Senate seat, Valte said the concern of the Palace is to carry out the law. 

“At least on the part of the Executive, ang lagi nating concern is just the implementation of the law. And now that the Supreme Court has settled the legal question then, the Bureau of Customs will act accordingly,” she said. 


Commenting on the impending investigation by the Senate of the alleged used car smuggling in Cagayan, Valte said the Palace will leave the issue to the senators to investigate. 

She also assured the lawmakers that Malacanang will cooperate in the investigation and is open to providing the Senate information on the issue. (PND)

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