(Eagle News)–Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday, May 29, questioned the recent appointment as Customs deputy chief of a district collector who was probed for his alleged involvement in the shipment of illegal drugs in magnetic lifters last year.
Lacson noted that in 2017, Vener Baquiran was one of those he identified as a bagman in the Customs department.
At that time, Baquiran was district collector at the Manila International Container Port.
Baquiran was sacked by then-Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña last year over the probe and for his alleged failure to meet Customs revenue targets.
“As a former MICT collector, his name surfaced again in congressional inquiries..,” Lacson said, with the Department of Justice “even recommending charges against him.”
“The BOC faces another predicament (with his appointment),” Lacson added.
Apart from Baquiran, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed as Customs deputy chiefs retired Brigadier General Raniel Ramiro, and retired Lieutenant General Donato San Juan.
Their appointment papers were dated March 6 but were only released to the media over the weekend.