SENATOR PANFILO M. Lacson has shrugged off accusations against his son made by former Bureau of Customs Commissioner (BoC) Nicanor E. Faeldon, who was officially replaced this week amid the controversy over a P6.4-billion shipment of shabu (methamphetamine). Mr. Faeldon has accused the son of the senator, Panfilo “Pampi” Lacson, Jr., of smuggling cement through the BoC. He said the younger Mr. Lacson’s company, Bonjourno, is the country’s number one smuggler of cement. “He’s diverting from the issue. The issue is, is there corruption in the BoC? That question should be answered,” Mr. Lacson said in a statement issued yesterday. At the same time, the senator pointed out that Mr. Faeldon’s accusation that his son has been undervaluing cement imports has no basis as there is zero tariff for cement under the ASEAN Free Trade Area and even the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area.” What will you undervalue if there is zero tariff?” Mr. Lacson said. The matter on the illegal drug shipment is currently under investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. — Mario M. Banzon

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR