Lina as customs chief welcomed

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today hailed the appointment of businessman Bert Lina as the new Customs Commissioner.  

"I know him. He is capable, he is competent. He has prior experience as Customs chief, having occupied that position before,” said Drilon.

However, Drilon said Lina should avoid any possible conflict of interest if any of his companies would have any dealings with the BOC.

"There should be an arrangement where his business and his responsibility as Customs commissioner will not clash."

          

As to whether Lina should divest himself of shares in his business, Drilon said Lina "knows what to do."   

          

At the same time, Drilon said he supports the plan of Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III to file a resolution calling for a Senate investigation on the recent resignation of John Phillip Sevilla as Customs Commissioner

"He (Sevilla) should name names. I personally believe that he was a good Customs Commissioner. I have known him for more than 10 years. I know him to be an honest bureaucrat, very professional," Drilon said.

"I am very sad that he resigned from his post due to what he said was political pressure. I agree that he should reveal who exerted pressure on him," Drilon added.

As to the allegation of Rep. Toby Tiangco, spokesman of the United Nationalist Alliance, that the Liberal Party exerted pressure on Sevilla to generate P3 billion campaign fund for the LP, Drilon said:

"I will not waste my time on such malicious lies. What I can say is that as we approach the election, then we will see more of this." -end-