PNoy confirms BOC chief Alvarez on his way out

(Updated 7:13 p.m.) President Benigno Aquino III has virtually confirmed that Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez is on his way out after he admitted in a radio interview that a replacement has already been chosen. Aquino, however, refused to identify the replacement, saying he wants to afford him all the privacy he could get before assuming the post. “Pinangako ko kasi sa pagpapalit dyan, bibigyan ko ng kaunting espasyo yung ating nakausap na ating inaasahan natin na aayusin ang Customs," Aquino said in a prerecorded interview with Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) aired on Monday. “Hindi ko muna tutukuyin dahil kumbaga sabi niya ito na raw ang huling araw ng katahimikan ng buhay niya," the President added. “Bigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na tumupad sa aming usapan." Aquino also said he is not happy with the turn of events regarding the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Aquino said the person in question has already accepted that post, and that he expects him to reform the BOC. Rumors have it that former Muntinlupa congressman and defeated senatorial bet Ruffy Biazon, who is Aquino’s party-mate at the Liberal Party, will be appointed to BOC as a replacement for Alvarez, who is embroiled in a controversy involving around 2,000 missing container vans, resulting in P240 million worth of lost revenues for the government.
Alvarez ready to step down Alvarez, for his part, said he is willing to step down once the President tells him to vacate the post. “Kung dumating ‘yung time na sabihin ni Presidente that my time is up,… I will turn over the position in a very professional manner," he said in an interview over GMA News TV Live. He said he “cannot question the judgment of the President" while thanking Aquino for giving him a chance to lead the BOC. “At least once in my lifetime, pinayagan niya na makapag-serve ako sa government. Ang sa akin lamang, I can say with pride na I assumed this position with humility and integrity, and I intend to do that until my last day in office," he said. Alvarez likewise advised his successor to continue going after smugglers. No details In a phone interview with Malacañang reporters on Monday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said she was not aware if Alvarez has already resigned from post and if Aquino has already spoken with him. “I am not aware of Commissioner Alvarez resigned. I am not aware if the Office of the President received any papers from Commissioner Alvarez owing to the fact that it is a long weekend and there’s no office," she said. She also said she does not know who the next BOC commissioner is, and when Aquino would make the announcement. — with Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News