Customs chief Alvarez: I have not resigned

Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez on Thursday belied talk that he has resigned from his post amid questions on his competence to curb smuggling activities. At a news briefing at the Department of Justice, Alvarez said he has served "with humility and integrity" under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, and will continue to do so until the President says his time is up. "I serve at the pleasure of the President. If my time is up, I will turn over the position in a very professional manner," said Alvarez. Talk was rife that Alvarez has relinquished his post and that the President has named losing senatorial candidate Rozzano Rufino "Ruffy" Biazon as his replacement. On Wednesday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte aid she was not aware of the rumored resignation of Alvarez. In a text message also on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President is not aware of the supposed resignation of Alvarez. Lacierda added that as far as the President is concerned, Alvarez remains as Customs chief. Missing container vans The Customs chief has received flak for the loss of about 2,000 cargo vans that resulted in a loss of about P240 million in potential revenues. Opposition lawmakers like Zambales Rep. Milagros "Mitos" Magsaysay subsequently called for Alvarez's resgination. On Thursday, the bureau filed smuggling charges against the consignees and brokers that supposedly facilitated the diversion of the container vans, which were bound from the Port of Manila to Batangas. — RSJ, GMA News