By Joel E. Zurbano

Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales has designated Director Jairus Paguntalan as acting chief of the Intelligence and Enforcement Group.

Paguntalan serves as temporary replacement for deputy commissioner Celso Templo, who officially retired last week, Morales said.

Paguntalan was among the contenders for the head of the IEG, said to be the second most powerful position in the Customs bureau.

The other candidates were Port of Manila collector Horacio Suansing Jr., intelligence officer Fernandino Tuason, Customs Enforcement and Security Service Director Nicasio Radovan and Customs police division chief Jose Yuchongco.

Templo, who turned 65 last Jan. 9, said he wanted an insider for his replacement. ?If you go by the rule of succession I have directors Radovan and Paguntalan, as well as Yuchongco and Tuason who are qualified for the position. But it?s the prerogative of President Arroyo [to name the replacement]. I don?t know who the [Customs] commissioner and the finance secretary trust and who they want,? Templo said.

On his post-Customs plan, Templo said: ?I will join my children and enjoy my retirement.?

A career official of the bureau, Templo began his stint with the Customs as a special intelligence and investigation agent under the watch of then Commissioner Rolando Geotina in 1975.

President Arroyo appointed him deputy commissioner in 2005.