Lina has to explain firm’s fraud issue

Newly-appointed Customs Commissioner Bert Lina should fully explain the relief of a Bureau of Customs lawyer investigating one of his companies.

He should also answer allegations why his other company allegedly faked the importation papers of GMA 7 resulting in the seizure of broadcast equipment brought in by the radio-TV network.

Leonardo Peralta was moved from the Customs Investigation Division to the Customs Policy Research Office, an adjunct office at the Department of Finance where “undesirables” are dumped.

At the time of his relief,

Peralta’s office was investigating the Lina-owned U-Freight cargo handling company for allegedly not paying P1.5 billion in taxes and duties.

The amount represented a number of shipments missing at the firm’s warehouse in Pasay City. The shipments were allegedly released without paying customs duties and taxes.

Lina’s explanation that he just signed Peralta’s reassignment stinks. “I really do not know. I just signed it. That is the prerogative of the commissioner and the Department of Finance,” he said.

Peralta’s consignment to a “freezer” smacks of vengeance.

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Last year, the customs bureau held for auction broadcast equipment consigned to GMA 7 which landed at the Port of Manila after it was found “abandoned and unentered.”

The shipment’s broker was Dexter S. Pepanio of the Lina Group of Companies.

Last year, broadcast equipment consigned to GMA 7 were seized at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) because they reportedly had spurious importation papers.

The 2100 Customs Brokers Inc. of the Lina Group of Companies was GMA 7’s   broker.

Edgar Z. Macabeo, the Naia customs chief who ordered the shipment seized during John Phillip Sevilla’s watch, has asked for the lifting of the seizure order after Lina took over as customs commissioner.

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Being a victim of a fraudulent scheme, GMA 7 may be absolved of any criminal liability. The smuggled equipment should be auctioned off.

Lina’s brokerage firm must be held accountable for the fraudulent papers. Charges should be filed against it.

But which customs official or employee would dare file a criminal case against a company owned by his boss?

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Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla has resigned to ready his campaign for an elective position. That shows the character of the man. He could have clung to his post until the filing of the certificate of candidacy late this year and take advantage of the perks   of his office.