CA to rule on smuggling case vs Phoenix Petroleum

Court of Appeals building. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Court of Appeals has submitted for resolution a petition for the filing in court of a P5-billion smuggling case against president and chief executive officer of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Dennis Ang Uy and  customs broker Jorlan Capiin Cabanes.

The appeals court 10th division conducted a hearing Thursday on the appeal filed by Cabanes, who sought a stop of the filing of the case before the Court of Tax Appeals, citing a violation of their rights.

He said he was not given opportunity by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to answer new allegations raised by the Bureau of Customs when it sought a reconsideration of the dismissal of the smuggling case.

The appeals court issued a temporary restraining order against the DoJ to stop them from filing the case while Cabanes’ appeal was pending.

The TRO will lapse on July 8.