MANILA - The chief of staff of Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon admits that some athletes hired by the agency are not qualified for their positions.

• READ: PBA legends hired by Customs face House probe

During a House probe Monday, a lawmaker pointed out that the athletes do not seem fit for a job of a technical assistant for special activities.

Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia read the job description of a technical assistant for special activities as follows:

• Research and collect statistical, technical, and specialized data from multiple sources of assigned special projects.
• Compilation and completion of a variety of complex and time-sensitive reports as required by the Commissioner.
• Use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain, and manage the reputation of the Bureau of Customs.
• Monitor publicity and conduct research to find out the concerns and expectations of the bureau's stakeholders and the public.

Philippine basketball legends Marlou Aquino and Kenneth Duremdes earlier said they were hired as technical assistant for special activities for the Commissioner.

But both admitted that their jobs so far have been mostly on "image building." They also mentioned playing basketball for the Customs.

Another local hoops legend, EJ Feihl, said he takes home a P40,000 salary as an intelligence analyst of the Customs even if he has not done any intel reports yet.

Atty. Mandy Anderson admitted that some of the athletes hired by Customs Commissioner Faeldon are not qualified.

"I don't know the background of these athletes I haven't read their curriculum vitae but based on the assumption that they have no background, yes I would say they are not qualified at all," she said.

Rep. Garcia told Atty. Mandy Anderson that she should have ensured that only those qualified are being hired by his superior.

Atty. Anderson stressed that she had objected to the hiring of some of the athletes and that someone else is doing a review of their qualifications.

However, Garcia said Anderson, as chief of staff, should be on top of these kinds of situations.