Photo courtesy of PhilStar

 

Two customs brokers, Lujin Tenero and Brenda de Sagun, have been detained following their refusal to identify suspects in a smuggling investigation in Cebu. The Senate agriculture panel cited them in contempt on Monday, leading to their detention at either the Senate or Pasay City Jail. The brokers are linked to consumer goods firms operating at Subic ports and are under investigation for smuggling agricultural products worth P40 million and P59 million, respectively.

 

The Senate agriculture, food, and agrarian reform committee, chaired by Sen. Francis Pangilinan, identified inconsistencies in the brokers' testimonies, prompting the contempt charge. Both Pangilinan and Sen. JV Ejercito urged the brokers to provide further details and consider becoming state witnesses. They highlighted that economic sabotage through agricultural smuggling could lead to a life imprisonment sentence.

 

During the inquiry, Tenero mentioned a man named “Carlos” who approached him to facilitate container imports, but he refused to provide a last name. “All we are asking for is Mr. Carlos’ last name. And you refuse to answer… You are hereby cited in contempt of this committee,” Pangilinan remarked. Tenero claimed he met Carlos at the Subic pier and had signed documents for four containers while trusting Carlos as an authorized representative.

 

De Sagun, meanwhile, stated she lent her license to facilitate the import of goods but denied knowing "Mr. Vicente," who allegedly rented it. Procedural lapses were highlighted when several containers escorted by the Bureau of Customs were left unattended at a warehouse, according to Agriculture Undersecretary Carlos Carag and BOC officials.

 

Key Takeaways

• Brokers Lujin Tenero and Brenda de Sagun cited in contempt for withholding information.
• Senators urge brokers to reveal further details and consider state witness status.
• Inconsistencies and unattended containers highlight procedural issues.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-10-09

 

 

See how easy it is to chase down this type of corruption?  Next, go after the politicians who 'facilitated', for example, the ghost flood defence projects.