Angelito Alvarez still Customs commissioner, says Aquino

MANILA, Philippines—Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez still has his job.

In Capiz to thank supporters and distribute health insurance, social pension checks and land titles, among others, President Benigno Aquino III denied on Tuesday rumors that he has already replaced Alvarez as Customs chief and appointed businesswoman Elizabeth Lee as his successor.

“I haven’t appointed anybody,” President Aquino told reporters. “(Alvarez) is there, right now.”

Alvarez earlier said groups hurt by the reforms he introduced in the BoC against smuggling have been sowing intrigues about his leadership.