BOC chief Lina says he merely signed papers on Peralta’s transfer to CPRO

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said on Thursday he merely signed the papers transferring lawyer Leonardo Peralta to the Customs Policy Research Office (CPRO).

“I did not transfer him, may recommendation ’yun (it was recommended), but I was just the one who signed it. Inabutan ko na ’yun (It was already there when I came into office),” Lina said in an ambush interview on Thursday during the filing of smuggling charges against illegal importers of steel products at the Department of Justice.

“This was a follow-through of what was given to me. I just assumed office recently and the head then was Commissioner (John Phillip) Sevilla,” he said.

Asked about the reason for Peralta’s transfer, Lina said: “I really do not know, I just signed it.”

Pressed further why he signed the paper, he answered: “I signed it … That is the prerogative of the commissioner and the Department of Finance.”

“Yes,” he added, when asked if he thought Peralta would be a good asset to the CPRO.

Lina said he also didn’t know if Peralta was the one investigating one of his companies for alleged irregularities.

“There will be changes … in our fight to clear up Customs. Everything is a work in progress,” the newly appointed BOC Commissioner said. SM