Customs Chief Ready to Face Charges

Following reports on Friday that he is among the 34 respondents in the malversation, direct bribery and graft and corrupt practices complaints, Customs Commissioner and PNoy ally Ruffy Biazon said he was ready to face the allegations.

Biazon, who was among those named in the new pork-related (PDAF) criminal complaint announced by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday said in a statement on the same day “Accounting for public funds comes with the territory of serving in government, whether it be at the lowest levels of local government or in the high levels of national office.”

Biazon, a former Muntinlupa representative from 2001 to 2010 said in the statement “Therefore, I am willing and ready to face the allegations raised today (Friday) pertaining to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocated to my congressional district during my term as representative of the lone district of Muntinlupa.”

Aside from Biazon, who allegedly received a kickback worth P1.95 million, the following former lawmakers are included in the new complaints: Salacnib Baterina of Ilocos Sur (P7.5 million), Marc Douglas Cagas IV of Davao del Norte (P5.54 million), Douglas Cagas of Davao del Sur (P9.3 million), Arthur Pingoy Jr of South Cotabato.(P7.055 million), Arrel Olano of Davao del Norte (P3.175 million), Rodolfo Valencia of Oriental Mindoro (P2.4 million)

The Customs chief and a known PNoy ally, in the same statement, continued “I had always exercised prudence and fidelity in the performance of my duty as Representative of the Muntinlupa as well as in other responsibilities to the public, and pursued projects and programs that benefitted my constituents. But as we have seen in some instances, the processes involved have been vulnerable to abuse by certain parties.”

“I have yet to see the documents pertinent to this issue, but I welcome the opportunity to clarify and answer the accusations whether before the National Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman or the courts.”

On Friday, Justice secretary Leila de Lima announced the filing of graft complaint against 34 persons, including Biazon, before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Reports said among the 34 respondents in the malversation, direct bribery and graft and corrupt practices complaints are seven former congressmen, three heads of implementing agencies, two presidents of non-government organizations linked to businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, as well as seven other officials and employees of implementing agencies.

Source: Gma News Online

(Image Credit: www.ruffybiazon.ph)