DOJ HAS JUNKED THE SMUGGLING CHARGES AGAINST UNIOIL
Citing lack of probable cause, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has junked the smuggling charges filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against officials of independent oil player Unioil Petroleum Philippines Incorporated (UPPI) and Oilink International Corporation (OIC)
In a three-page ruling, Investigating Prosecutor Arman De Andres said there were no probable cause to charge Unioil, Oilink and the officers and directors of both corporations with smuggling and for violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.
“The Investigating Prosecutor found that the allegations of the complaint filed by the Bureau of Customs failed to establish with certainty the acts attributable to the Respondents that constitute unlawful importation under the Tariff and Customs Code. There were no specific allegations of circumstances constituting the crime against Oilink and Unioil,” said the DOJ resolution.
“The allegations in the complaint are in itself inadequate to engender a reasonable conclusion as to the culpability of the respondents for the crime charged,” the resolution added.
by: Ms. Leah C. Flor