Customs Commissioner Sevilla Resigns

After serving the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for more than a year, Customs Commissioner John Philip Sevilla has resigned.

In a press briefing, the successor of former Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said that he submitted his resignation letter to President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday.

Asked if it was an irrevocable resignation, he said, “It’s a resignation. I don’t want to be a jerk here whether irrevocable.”

Sevilla added that he does not regret working in government. “No regrets.”

Sevilla hope the reforms he and Biazon started in the bureau will continue.

“Customs reforms should not stop until ours is as effective as other BOC in other countries. Malayo pa tayo sa standard na ‘yun,” he said.

The BOC chief added, “Dapat ang leader may kakayahan magnavigate in a political environment kaysa dati. Habang tulak pa din reform.

Dapat ang next commissioner should have political skills, wala ako political skills.”

Sevilla also said he has no plans of transferring to another government agency.

“Pahinga. No plans as of now. Nothing is sure,” he added.

Sevilla was appointed Customs officer-in-charge in December 2013, following Biazon’s resignation. He was a former undersecretary of the Department of Finance. (PNA) FPV/FGP/EDS