Drop lead: Guerrero ‘excited’ to meet his replacement

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said he is “excited” to meet whoever would replace him in the top customs post, which, according to a reliable source, has reached “over 40 applicants.”

In a talk with this writer, Guerrero also bared he did not submit any request to the new administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., for an “extension” of his term that began when he was appointed by former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte in October 2018, at a time when the agency was wracked by controversies, especially the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country.

“As you know, I never aspired for this position,” said the bemedaled and highly-respected former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Right now, I am excited to meet, and brief whoever would be appointed as my replacement so I can brief him on the many positive changes and ongoing reforms that we are currently undertaking,” Guerrero said.

Guerrero said that the agency’s modernization program would be at the top, which has thus far resulted in the computerization and “digitization” of nearly 70% of its operations and processes.

Guerrero proclaimed these reforms already resulted in the BOC and the Philippines being placed on the third spot of the 10-member ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries in the ease of doing business category.

He also pointed to the various international commitments, partnerships, and programs the agency has made during his term, among them those with the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Guerrero said there is also a need to pursue the “National Single Windows” (NSW) project that seeks to inter-connect all relevant government agencies into one single network to facilitate trade and the issuance of government permits that would also aid in the government’s campaign against smuggling.

Of the over 40 applicants seeking the top customs post, the list, the source added, has been “trimmed down” to around ten applicants with two names getting prominence –former Philippine Marines commandant, M/Gen. Alvin Parreño and former customs deputy commissioner, Atty. Rey Nicolas.

Parreño’s appointment is being pushed by National Security Adviser Secretary Clarita Carlos, who even “confirmed” his appointment to the media.

On the other hand, Nicolas has been ordered “reinstated” to the BOC by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as far back as 2012, but this is yet to be implemented.

Referring to reports directly linking him to smuggling as well as other customs officials, Guerrero, in jest, said those behind the “smear job” may have been “worried” that Pres. Marcos Jr. may suddenly retain him from his post.

“Baka iniisip nila (critics), ma-retain ako dito eh hindi naman ako nag-apply for extension. I am just grateful to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte for giving me another opportunity to serve our people in another capacity after I retired from the AFP. I believe we made a difference here.

“I also have great respect for our new president, Pres. Bongbong Marcos,” he added.