Aquino decision to replace Alvarez draws mix reactions

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino’s decision to replace Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez on Tuesday drew mixed reactions from senators.

“Si Commissioner Alvarez ginagawa ang kanyang tungkulin dangan nga lang… alam mo, marami ring  intriga na tumatama sa kanya (Commissioner Alvarez  is doing his job but… you know there many intrigues hounding him),” Senator Panfilo Lacson said in a radio interview.

“Nanghihinayang ako na pinalitan siya dahil alam ko tinutupad niya ‘yong kanyang tungkulin at mahusay naman ang pagganap niya sa kanyang tungkulin (I regret he’s been replaced because I know he’s doing his responsibility and he’s doing well in his job),” Lacson said.

But Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was certain that the decision to replace the Customs chief was done after “careful evaluation and analysis.”

“It is the prerogative of the President to replace appointees in critical agencies who he feels have been underperforming. We know the President to be one who weighs his options before coming to a decision,” Pangilinan said in a text message.

“I am certain this decision to replace Alvarez came after careful evaluation and analysis,” he said.

Alvarez’s removal from office, Pangilinan said, should also serve as a reminder to all other presidential appointees, who serve at the pleasure of the President.

“They either deliver or get the ax,” Pangilinan said.

“Public interest must prevail over personal considerations of the appointee,” he added.

And while he expressed regret over Alvarez’s fate, Lacson welcomed the reported impending appointment of former Congressman Rufino Biazon in the Bureau of Customs, saying he was a good choice for the post.

“Hindi matatawaran ‘yong kakayanan ni Ruffy Biazon dahil unang-una may background naman s’ya dyan although wala syang experience sa Customs, sa pagganap bilang customs commissioner. Kaya magandang choice si Ruffy Biazon (Ruffy Biazon’s capability is indisputable because, first of all, he has a background  in that area even as he has no experience in Customs, in acting as customs commissioner. That’s why Ruffy Biazon is a good choice),” said Lacson.