Duterte names Lapeña as new Customs chief to replace Faeldon

PDEA director Isidro Lapeña is the new Bureau of Customs chief (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director Isidro Lapeña as the new chief of the Bureau of Customs.

“He (Lapeña) is going to be the commissioner of Customs,” Duterte said in a press conference on Monday night in Malacañang.

The President said Faedon’s resignation was considered “automatic” on his appointment of Lapeña.

“Wala na. If I appoint Lapena, automatic na ‘yan. No need [to give a resignation letter]. If somebody is appointed to the position, meaning to say, automatic na iyan, umalis ka,” he said.

Earlier, he said Faeldon had written him thrice asking to be relieved of his post amid the congressional probe of the P6.4-billion illegal drug shipment that slipped through the BOC.

“From the tone of his resignation, he is really disappointed. But I really believe he is an honest man,” Duterte said.

He said Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, director of the Cental Luzon office of the Philippine National Police, would replace Lapeñas as PDEA chief.

The chief executive said Lapeña has his “trust and confidence.” /atm