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BOC priority target of presidential candidates’ corruption probe
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The bureau has time and again been embroiled in allegations of corruption
The Bureau of Customs is on the corruption probe wishlist of all presidential candidates who attended CNN Philippines’ presidential debate on Feb 26.
Ernesto Abella, Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Norberto Gonzales, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor, Jr., and Vice President Leni Robredo all wrote the agency’s name on a whiteboard when asked which government agency they will investigate first if they get elected to the highest post of the land.
Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s top choice for an investigation was Department of Health although he also wrote the customs bureau among those on his probe wishlist.
Survey frontrunner former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr did not participate in the debate.
The BOC has time and again figured in corruption allegations, with President Rodrigo Duterte even describing the agency as corruption-infested.
In 2019, Duterte said he would dismiss 64 officials due to corruption claims.
