MANILA: Philippines Customs Commissioner, John Sevilla, announced his resignation due to the “political compromises” in the agency.
During a press briefing, Sevilla announced that he has tendered his resignation to President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday. Sevilla will remain as Customs Commissioner until the president appoints his replacement.
“Kailangan may political skills ang commissioner ng Customs. Wala po akong political skills,” Sevilla told members of the press.
Sevilla admitted that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is among the most corrupt government agencies. He believes that the corruption in the agency has lessened during his term but it is still one of the biggest problems in the BOC.
The Customs chief is disappointed that he will not be able to finish what he started but is also worried that the “tuwid na daan” in the agency is in danger.
He noted that politics has been dominant in the transactions of the agency for the past months given that the 2016 national elections is near.
Sevilla is hoping that his successor will do a better job than him.
Sevilla earlier denied quitting his position due to the BOC’s failure to meet its collection targets.
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