MANILA – Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Isidro Lapeña still enjoys the full trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo made the reaction amid the investigation on the PHP6.8-billion worth of “shabu” (crystal meth) that reportedly slipped into the country.
“The President has not said anything about losing trust and confidence, so my presumption is he has the full trust and confidence of the President,” Panelo said in a Palace media briefing.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino had reportedly said Lapeña should be held liable if it is proven that the shabu slipped past the customs’ radar.
Panelo said action will be taken after the investigation being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“The Department of Justice has ordered an investigation. The NBI is presently conducting on the subject matter. So hopefully after their findings, we will undertake positive action regarding the matter. Still under investigation,” he said.
Lapeña has maintained that the magnetic lifters found in Cavite last Aug. 14 had tested negative for illegal drugs.
On the other hand, Aquino insisted that the magnetic lifters had traces of shabu.
Aquino also said the magnetic lifters were similar to two other lifters recovered by the BOC last Aug. 7, which contained 500 kg. of shabu, valued at PHP4.3 billion. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
