Oilink

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday junked the smuggling charges filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against officials of Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. (UPPI) and Oilink International Corp., citing lack of probable cause.

In a statement, UPPI said the three-page ruling quoting Investigating Pro-secutor Arman De Andres as saying that there was no probable cause to charge Unioil, Oilink and the officers and directors of both corporations with smuggling and for violation of Section 3601 and 3602 in relation with Section 2530 and Section 3604 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,” the DOJ said in a resolution.

The justice department further added that there were no specific allegations of circumstances constituting the crime against Oilink and Unioil.

The DOJ also said the allegations in the complaint are inadequate to engender a reasonable conclusion as to the culpability of the respondents for the crime charged. Cleared of the charges were Paul Chi Thing Co, and UPPI president Kenneth Pundanera and other officials.

In another development, UPPI said participated in the International Franchise Conference and Expo during weekend to expand its presence in the market and forge new ties.    Chito Medina-Cue Jr., UPPI general manager, said the event, which was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, is a good opportunity for the company to present the latest in its franchise program to all interested individuals and businesses who might want to partner with Unioil.

Pundanera said Unioil believes the event will foster greater awareness of the company’s business programs, especially, that it is in the midst of a P90-million expansion program that will see the construction of additional retail and service stations in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. Written by Paul Isla / Reporter   Business Mirror