Customs chief issues first memo, warns against ‘name dropping’

MANILA, Philippines—Newly appointed Customs Commissioner Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon on Friday warned personnel of the Bureau of Customs against entertaining anyone dropping his name or claiming to be related to him, his family or his friends so their transactions at the bureau will be facilitated.

In his first memorandum order addressed to “all concerned,” Biazon instructed all personnel to refrain from giving special treatment to shipments or any customs matter being processed or followed up by persons or companies claiming actual or alleged relationship with him.

“I encourage everyone to report to my office any transaction/shipment where my name or that of any member of my family or friends is being name-dropped so that appropriate sanctions could be instituted,” Biazon said.