Now we’ll see if the Department of Finance Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) really has fangs — or if it’s just another toothless watchdog pretending to bark under Secretary Ralph Recto and Usec. Atty. Charlie Mendoza. Let’s see if this is real accountability or just another showpiece for the cameras. Ambot sa kambing na may bangs!

Let’s put them to the test — by asking RIPS to dig into the unexplained wealth of Collector VII “Ursula”, who flaunts her luxury cars, designer watches, expensive land, and her mansion fit for royalty.

According to our insider, Ursula is now living like a billionaire, globe-trotting in style and spending like there’s no tomorrow. Her travel records? Only one “legal” travel authority — the rest allegedly hidden under the radar to disguise her princess lifestyle. Ask her bagman-slash-collector” of TARA money, they’ll tell you how deep it goes.

You’ll faint if you knew the places she’s been. Question is — does she even show up for work anymore? Then again, with her high-end phones and powerful connections, one call is enough to make sure a shipment — este, contraband — gets “cleared.”

This is RIPS’ moment to prove itself. Investigate Collector VII Ursula, file charges, and make an example out of her. Otherwise, we’ll know the agency’s all bark, no bite. Right, Usec. Mendoza? Stay tuned — this story isn’t over.

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URSULA UNTOUCHED BY CPO

It takes a special kind of arrogance to defy a Customs Personnel Order (CPO) signed by the DOF Secretary. Recto and BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno — but Ursula managed to do it.

Despite being officially replaced, word from inside the Bureau says the TARA system continues — and under her iron-fisted rule, section chiefs reportedly bow like it’s Martial Law. No one dares cross her, afraid they’ll be exiled to far-flung posts.

Those at the bottom? Forced to “contribute” or risk reassignment. And the new replacement? Left with mere crumbs — laughing money, as brokers and importers call it.

Who’s backing Ursula so that she can defy orders from the top? Insiders whisper she has protection from “inside the Aduana” and perhaps even religious backing from INC — though invoking the sacred name of Ka Eduardo is a dangerous game. If that’s true, that’s blasphemy with a capital B.

Our source adds she’s generous — too generous — with her “gifts,” enough to turn the heads of a few officials. Strong connections inside, she boasts. But Commissioner Nepomuceno is known to hate that kind of arrogance.

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THE LUXURY LIFE OF URSULA

It’s high time RIPS filed charges against BOC’s Collector VII, Ursula, for her lavish, unexplained lifestyle. Agree with me, mga Igan? Republic Act 6713 — the Code of Conduct for Public Officials — is clear: a lifestyle beyond your means is a red flag for corruption.

Where’s the Ombudsman? Sleeping? Because Justice Secretary Boying Remulla won’t like this one bit.

Tell me — what’s the salary grade of a Chief Operations Officer V (COOV) in the Bureau of Customs? Enough to afford luxury cars, mansions, and gadgets that cost more than a month’s pay for ten employees combined? I don’t think so.

A termite in government can gild itself in gold — but the stench of corruption always seeps through. Right, Atty. Mendoza? Or will this case get another “grease job” before it reaches your desk?

We’ve secured documents detailing Ursula’s properties — thanks to a few upright Customs officers who still believe in integrity. RIPS won’t have to look far.

Don’t be surprised if this story lands Collector VII Ursula in the Senate hot seat, following the footsteps of that deputy collector once jailed for perjury. Ask Sen. Kiko Pangilinan — he might even dedicate “Maging Sino Ka Man” to her!

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MS. BILLBOARD AND URSULA

Before the flood control scandals exploded, whispers around Congress spoke of a certain “Ms. Billboard” — a lawmaker famous for plastering her face on every project she could claim credit for.

She turned her district into a vanity gallery of tarpaulins, bragging about projects supposedly under her watch. Maybe she should’ve donated that ad budget to flood victims instead!

And guess what? Our probe revealed that Ms. Billboard is none other than the political backer of Collector VII Ursula — part of a powerful family of politicians from Luzon.

Careful, they say — Ms. Billboard and her allies don’t take kindly to critics. She’s got the money and the muscle. And rumor has it, some of that flood control “budget” never reached its destination.

Now I believe the saying: “Birds of the same feather flock together.” Corrupt public officials find each other like magnets. Or, as the foreigners like to say, “If you want to be a millionaire, run for public office.”

This story is just beginning.

Stay tuned — the termites are squirming.

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