NEWSFLASH

ILOCOS GOVERNOR SCOLDED FOR DEFENDING “POOR” SMUGGLERS

Manila, Jan. 20, 2000 - President Estrada yesterday scolded his close friend and political ally, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, for severely criticizing chief presidential security aide Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim’s anti-smuggling raid in Ilocos Sur last weekend.

The presidential tongue-lashing was made on dzMM radio following a verbal skirmish between Singson and Calimlim over the raid in Barangay Poro Pingit in Magsingal town last Saturday.

Singson complained that the raid, which he said was reminiscent of martial law, also led to the detention at Camp Crame of some of his constituents whom he described as "poor and small people" trying to earn a living.

Singson reiterated his proposal for the posting of Customs policemen in the ports of his province to check on the reported rampant smuggling of motorcycles and appliances.

The governor also dared Calimlim to check on the alleged involvement of some Philippine Navy personnel in smuggling.

While Mr. Estrada acknowledged the need to deploy Customs personnel in Ilocos Sur, he stressed that their absence does not mean license to engage in smuggling.

The Chief Executive also argued that the law does not recognize the social status of an offender. "Under the law, there is no rich or poor (people)," he said.

However, the President indicated that he was amenable to Singson's suggestion to let the arrested suspects off the hook by simply allowing them to pay the corresponding taxes.

"I will ask the finance department how we can arrange it," Mr. Estrada said.

On the other hand, Calimlim vowed to look into reports that some of his men fired their guns and manhandled certain villagers during the raid.