Aquino nixes Biazon's resignation

Malacanang on Tuesday said President Benigno Aquino III's rebuke of the Bureau of Customs during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) was aimed at the agency's rampant corrupt practices and not directed at its head, Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon.

Biazon offered his resignation to the President right after Aquino delivered his speech Monday.

Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino, through a text message, rejected Biazon's resignation.

"The confidence in the commissioner remains. They both know the challenges and the limitations faced by the commissioner," Valte said in a press conference.

Valte said Aquino had been cognizant of the problems and limitations faced by Biazon since he was appointed to the post in 2011.

"Given the problem in Customs, nagiging systemic na doon. Ito yung mga pagkakataon na kelangan ibigay para magawa nung tao yung kanyang mandato," (These are the times needed (for Biazon) to fulfill his mandate), she said.

She said measures to reform the corruption-ridden agency are under way but Valte refused to disclose the plans.

"Meron ng mga measures na nakakasa pero 'di pa pwede pag-usapan ngayon. Alam na rin ni Commissioner Biazon ang mga hakbang na dapat gawin," (Measures are set but will not be revealed as of now. Commissioner Biazo is also aware of steps to be taken), Valte said.

"Yung napakinggan natin is the shot across the bow. Ito na yung warning, the president was very explicit na ubos na pasensya niya sa mga ahensya. They are mistaken and obviously, matagal nang nakatitig ang pangulo sa kanila,"(What we heard was the shot across the bow. That was a warning, the president was very explicit that his patience was running out for the agencies. The President's focus is on them for some time),Valte said. (PNA)