Biazon quits as Customs chief

By: Bong Lozada - 11 years ago

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon on Monday resigned his post following allegations that he funnelled his pork barrel fund allocations to a nongovernment organization linked to Janet Lim Napoles.

“I resigned to protect my family from the exposure to the hostile controversy, for it will be too much for them to endure,” Biazon said in a press briefing at the Bureau of Customs headquarters in Pasay City.

Biazon said his resignation does not have to do with any “admission of guilt.”

“This resignation is to protect the President, save my family from undue stress and prevent ayone to gain something from this issue,” Biazon said.

In the case of Biazon’s involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam wherein he was part of the 34 individuals that the Department of Justice charged before the Ombudsman, Biazon said he wished not to discuss the matter in the media but rather on a “proper forum.”

“I will face the allegations in a proper forum,” said Biazon.

Biazon said that he could retain his post as Customs chief if he wanted to but he chose to “uphold” his honor instead.

The former Muntinlupa lawmaker said that upon sitting down with President Benigno Aquino III, he immediately told him that his resignation was final.

“Of course we are all right,” Biazon said when asked about his relationship with Aquino. “And I said the moment I sat down with him ‘Sir, the first thing on my mind is to submit my resignation.’”

Biazon said Aquino has given him a week to finish off his duties at the BOC and to give way for a transition period.