SENATE CITES CUSTOMS OFFICIALS, TRADERS IN CONTEMPT OVER AGRI SMUGGLING PROBE

The Senate Committee on Agriculture cited three individuals—two Customs officials and a trader—in contempt for allegedly lying during the investigation into agricultural smuggling. Erwin Pascual was accused of falsifying business registration details, while Customs Deputy Collector Andrew Calixihan was reprimanded for misleading statements about trucks transporting mislabeled goods. Customs Officer Mary Anabelle Gubaton’s explanations were deemed unacceptable, as she failed to properly oversee container inspections. All three were ordered detained by the Senate but may submit supplemental affidavits. Additionally, two brokers were cited for untruthful statements, with one temporarily released to assist the investigation.