MANILA: Anyone who wants to check on transactions in Manila ports should be able to do so through closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras after 30 days, said Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.
“The setting up of CCTV cameras in all the frontline offices of the Bureau of Customs [has] been ongoing. We expect that in the next 30 more days, the big ports in Manila can now be viewed publicly, all the transactions being done there,” he told Palace reporters during a press conference.
The effort is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to ensure transparency, especially among regulatory agencies. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is known to be among the most corrupt government agencies. By the week of August 29, Faeldon’s own office can be viewed online through a CCTV camera live feed.
“By next week, you can now view me in my office, in my conference rooms, and everywhere that’s within the Office of the Commissioner,” said Faeldon.
He said he is doing this in order to set an example for other Customs officials and employees. “My office is the first one [to have a CCTV camera]. So that no employee will refuse the setting up of the CCTVs,” Faeldon told reporters.
He gave assurances that the installment of CCTVs for monitoring purposes is happening alongside the investigation of BOC employees suspected of corruption.
“We are continuously isolating and tracking all the bureau officials that are believed to be very corrupt,” said the Customs chief. Faeldon’s announcement comes a day after Duterte declared the posts of all presidential appointees vacant.
The Palace later on clarified that Duterte’s order only covers those appointed during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III, the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Faeldon said he has received instructions from Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to continue working as Customs chief.
