PANGILINAN PRAISES BOC LEADERSHIP UNDER ‘NEPO’

SENATOR Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan on October 27 joined officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the actual inspection of 2X40 vans of misdeclared frozen chicken breasts from China worth P12.96 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) where he also gave high praise to the leadership of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, underscored the seriousness of ongoing efforts against agricultural smuggling, stating:

“I believe this is the first time in the history of the Bureau of Customs that a Deputy Collector was cited in contempt and detained in the Senate.

“That in itself shows how serious we are, and how serious the BOC is in addressing smuggling. “Since the start of the Senate hearings on agricultural smuggling, we have been working closely with the BOC, and they have consistently provided us with the necessary documents and information.”

Pangilinan was referring to Subic Port Deputy Collector for Assessment Andrew Calixihan and Customs Examiner Mary Annabelle Gubaton, who was cited in contempt during his committee hearing last October 20 related to the smuggling of agricultural products at the Port of Subic.

Also cited in contempt is Erwin Pascual, owner of EPCB Goods Consumer Trading.

The MICP shipment was declared to contain 5,300 cartons of fish balls but were later discovered to hold sacks of frozen chicken breasts, the BOC said in a statement.

Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Maronilla, BOC Spox who assisted Pangilinan along with other Customs officials during the inspection, said the cargo has been under BOC watch since its arrival last August 29.

It was also the subject of an ‘PLCO’ (Pre-Lodgment Control Order), which means it was placed on alert despite no formal consumption entry has yet been filed. The name of the consignee was not disclosed.

Actual physical examination last September 29 revealed that out of 5,300 cartons declared as fish balls, only 240 cartons actually contained the declared goods, while the rest were filled with sacks of frozen chicken breasts.

Pangilinan heaped added praise to the Customs Chief, saying he has been doing what new public works secretary, Vince Dizon, has been doing at the public works department— “brought in to help clean up the system.”

“That is why our collaboration is strong and continuous,” the solon said.

The inspection at the MICP follows the apprehension of a shipment of smuggled fresh carrots at the nearby Port of Manila worth P13.2 million last October 22 (Pinoy Exposé, October 24, 2025).