STATEMENT OF SENATOR MAR ROXAS:
CRUSH THE SMUGGLERS, NOT JUST THE CARS

"We welcome the destruction of P100 million worth of luxury vehicles smuggled into Subic, as symbolic of the fight against smuggling.

"However, reactions to the event were more critical than impressed, with the Mercedes Benzes reportedly even being replaced by cheaper makes, and with the smuggled Lamborghini and Ferrari cars conspicuously missing.

"I say, crush the smugglers, not just the luxury cars. Publicity stunts such as this will be forgotten in a few days' time. What would leave a lasting impression are actual arrests of smugglers and their protectors in government.

"In Congress, I have re-filed an anti-smuggling measure, to strengthen coordination between agencies and to increase efficiency of the clearance process. I hope that this bill will also be certified as urgent in light of the seeming lack of interagency cooperation at present."