Palace backs new Customs chief’s plan vs fake journalists

New Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon is getting Malacañang's backing in his drive to fight not only corrupt Customs officials but also fake journalists. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Saturday said Biazon is merely following President Benigno Aquino III’s instructions to raise collections and rid the agency of graft. “Very clear ang sinabi ni Cong. Ruffy. What is black is black, what is white is white. It does not depend on what you do or what your profession is. If you engage in illegal activities under his watch... he will go after you," she said on government-run dzRB radio. Biazon had said on his Twitter account that one of his challenges is the existence of some so-called publications in the Bureau of Customs. He also mentioned “pseudo-journalists" who he said promote or protect smugglers’ interests. “Another challenge to face in the BOC is the existence of tabloids and pseudo journalists that are used to promote and/or protect smugglers’ interests," he said. Valte added that when Aquino appointed Biazon to the Customs post, the President already gave him two clear orders. “The president has clear instructions for Biazon. First, raise collections. Second, remove graft from the agency. Of course, graft is tied with smuggling," she said. — LBG, GMA News