OFWs Want Lina Out of Customs
MANILA – A group of Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia is now calling for the resignation of Customs chief Alberto Lina over the rescinded policy on random balikbayan box inspections.
Venecio Legaspi, director general of the Overseas Council of Leaders in Jeddah, said Lina should have the decency to quit his post.
“If you have the integrity and transparency and you still have that love for our country, you better resign now,” Legaspi said.
He added Lina should not have been appointed.
“Hindi namin malubos lubos maisip kung bakit na appoint ka sa position na iyan na alam namin there is a conflict of interest,” he added.
Public outrage against Customs and its officials ensued after the implementation of random inspection on balikbayan boxes.
On Monday, Lina told ANC’S Headstart that the agency was merely enforcing the law.
“By law, we have the right to examine and open it. That is in the tariff and Customs code,” Lina had said.
But on Monday night, the Bureau of Customs rescinded the policy, upon orders from President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
In Manila, Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares urged OFWs not to send money to the Philippines on August 28.
He added that Filipinos must stay active in voicing out their opinions.
“It only shows that if people assert their rights, the government is forced to withdraw anti-people policies,” Colmenares said.