The Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) will press ahead with its work as the government plans to appeal a court decision declaring the body as unconstitutional, a Palace official said Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo said government lawyers are expected to exhaust all legal remedies to reverse the court ruling and affirm the legality of the anti-smuggling group formed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

I think so because based on our laws, even though there is such court ruling, it will not be immediately implemented since we can make the necessary appeal,” Saludo said in a radio interview when asked if the work of the PASG will continue despite the court decision against the group.

“We expect a motion for reconsideration will be filed. That is usually the first step taken by lawyers involved in such case. We can still elevate the appeal of the unfavorable court decision to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. The court ruling is not yet final and executory," he added.

A Manila regional trial court earlier declared the Executive Order No. 624 that created PASG was invalid and unconstitutional. The court acted on a petition filed by a suspected jewel smuggler that sought to declare the PASG illegal.

Pending the government appeal on the court decision, Saludo praised the PASG for its achievements in the campaign against smuggling, citing the seizure of products illegally entering the country and arrest of those people behind the unlawful activity.

”PASG has done a good job. If there is any problem or any abuse, that should be investigated. in general, PASG has done excellent work and continues to work effectively with the Bureau of Customs," he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)