Lacson Cites Three-Pronged Solution vs Corruption at Customs

Learn from history, establish a focused counter-intelligence system to curb corruption, and prioritize leadership by example.

These can help the Bureau of Customs curb corruption without having to tap officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Monday.

Lacson, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1971, cited a lesson from the 1960s showing the use of idealistic AFP officers to run the BOC did not work, after the smuggling rings used women to sway them.

“In the early 60’s, some young, idealistic AFP officers were put in charge of the BOC operations. They learned fast, they couldn’t be bribed or intimidated. The smugglers used equally young, beautiful women to influence them. The rest is history we don’t want to remember,” Lacson said in a post on his Twitter account.

He said the point is that smuggling syndicates, especially those smuggling illegal drugs, will employ all tricks to pursue their nefarious activities.

Instead, Lacson stressed the need for a sophisticated counter-intelligence mechanism in the BOC.

“I can only suggest that a continuous, dedicated, focused, highly classified and sophisticated counter-intelligence operations should be put in place to watch the watchdogs, so to speak,” he said.

More importantly, he stressed those in charge should apply the principle of leadership by example, “not in words, but in practice.”

Lacson practiced leadership by example when he headed the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001. Under his watch, the PNP became disciplined and efficient. This in turn earned Lacson and the PNP high approval marks from the public.

“It is second to none. There is no substitute to it that I know of,” Lacson said of the principle of leadership by example.

senate.gov.ph