President Benigno Aquino III has appointed former undersecretary John Philip Sevilla as new commissioner for the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in replaced to the resigned commissioner Rufino Biazon.

Edwin Lacierda, the presidential spokesman has announced yesterday that the formal appointment of Sevilla took effect starting December 9, 2014.

Prior to Sevilla’s formal appointment in office he was appointed Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of Customs last December 4, 2013 right after the resignation of Rufino Biazon being involved in the pork barrel scam.

“I am humbled by the President’s trust,” Sevilla said in response to his appointment.

The Working Experiences of Sevilla:

He was a former undersecretary of Department of Finance (DOF) for privatization and corporate affairs since 2010, Executive Director of investment bank Goldman Sachs and Associate Director and Sovereign Rater of credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s. He was also the Chief Operating Cfficer of the Synergeia Foundation.

Educational background:

Sevilla finished his baccalaureate degree in Cornell University as Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Government graduated cum laude. He earned his master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University.

According to Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Sevilla is the perfect man to take the post as the Customs requires a man of principle in leadership like him who is results-oriented and an expert in economics, international relations, and project implementation, Purisima said.

“I will work harder than ever to make a reformed bureau one of his (Biazon’s) legacies,” Sevilla said.

“Whether I am here for two months, one month or 10 days, my work style would not change. I will do exactly the same thing,” added Sevilla.