By Junex Doronio
OLONGAPO CITY – The Bureau of Customs – Port of Subic, led by District Collector Atty. Ricardo U. Morales II, CESE, exceeded its October 2024 collection target with a surplus of 1.3%, amounting to Php66.92 million.
Collector Morales expressed his gratitude to the entire Port team and their supportive stakeholders, whose collective efforts contributed to meeting the collection target for October.
Deputy Collector for Assessment Andrew Malcolm S. Calixihan and Customs Operations Officer V Jose Rommel “JR” A. Abac shared their optimism in continuing to surpass collection targets through December.
In a separate initiative to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, the College of Public and Office Administration from Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) organized an educational tour to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Subic.
The tour offered students an in-depth view of customs operations, enhancing their understanding of public administration and trade management.
During the visit, students engaged with BOC officials, gaining valuable insights into customs protocols, port security, and customs’ role in regulating international trade.
The students also toured key areas of the port, learning about cargo processing, documentation requirements, and how the BOC ensures compliance with national and international trade laws. This immersive experience aimed to bridge the gap between academic theories and real-world applications in public administration.
ia/mnmy
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Dr. Siegfred L. Manaois, Special Deputy Collector (SDC) of the Pair Cargo Assessment Composite Division at the Port of NAIA, Bureau of Customs, attended the 34th Anniversary of German Unity and the 70th German-Philippine Diplomatic Relations celebration upon the invitation of Ambassador Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The event, held last Friday (October 4, 2024) in Makati City, further strengthened the trade relations between the Philippines and Germany.
Representatives from the German Embassy expressed their appreciation for the Paircargo Customs Office due to the efficient release of the embassy’s cargoes. The Enhanced Trade Facilitation at the Port of NAIA is one of the key programs of Commissioner Bienvinido Y. Rubio, strictly implemented under the supervision of District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa.
It is worth noting that, last April 4, 2024, the United States Embassy, led by Attaché Shadrack L. Scheirman, visited the Pair Cargo Assessment Composite Unit at the BOC Port of NAIA. They personally handed Dr. Manaois a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. government for his invaluable assistance in the timely release of their shipments, significantly contributing to the achievement of the embassy’s mission objectives.
ia/mnm
Young entrepreneur Ronnel Hombre (left) is officially sworn into office as BOC Director 3 by BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on Friday (04 Oct 2024) at the bureau’s main office in Port Area, Manila.
By Ismael Amigo
MANILA — Young entrepreneur Ronnel Hombre was officially sworn in as Director 3 of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last Friday, October 4, 2024. The oath-taking ceremony was presided over by BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio at the Bureau’s main office in Port Area, Manila.
Hombre’s appointment is seen as part of the ongoing efforts to bring in fresh perspectives and strengthen the leadership within the Bureau. Hombre’s background in entrepreneurship is expected to contribute significantly to the agency’s operations, particularly in areas related to trade and customs processes.
Commissioner Rubio expressed confidence in Hombre’s ability to help drive the Bureau’s modernization initiatives and ensure a more transparent and efficient customs service.
The appointment of the young entrepreneur as Director 3 of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) heralds a renewed drive for reform in an agency often beset by challenges.
By Junex Doronio
LAPU-LAPU CITY — Stressing that the Bureau of Customs remains vigilant against the entry of excessive foreign currency, the BOC Sub-Port of Mactan on Friday (27 September 2024) said it has recently seized JPY (Japanese Yen) 10-million which was undeclared by a male Korean national who arrived at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 onboard Jin Air flight LJ31 from South Korea.
BOC Sub-Port of Mactan Collector Gerry A. Campo, LCB, said during the physical examination of the passenger’s baggage, which was witnessed by BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), and X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel, the Customs examiners discovered undeclared foreign currency amounting to JPY 10,000,000 inside the baggage.
“The Bureau of Customs remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent the illicit movement of local and foreign currency across our borders,” Campo stated.
He underscored that a passenger is only allowed the freely importable amount of JPY1,480,000.00, equivalent to USD 10,000.
Campo pointed out that sums greater than USD 10,000 must be declared via the Foreign Currency Declaration Form (FCDF) and the E-Travel system when arriving or departing from any international airport or seaport in the country.
The BOC Sub-Port of Mactan on Friday (27 September 2024) said it has recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for the excess amount of JPY 8,520,000.00 due to violations of BSP regulations on cross-border currency transfers and Section 1113 of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
ia/mnm
Ronnel Hombre is seen in photo (right, seated) with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (middle, seated, Pinoy Educ News Chairman and Publisher Albert Anosa (2nd from right, standing) and other government officials during a Lab for All stop in Sorsogon City recently.
MARIKINA CITY – Marikina City Gladiator Eagles Club President Albert Anosa extended his heartfelt congratulations to 38-year-old entrepreneur Ronnel Hombre on his recent appointment as Director III of the Bureau of Customs.
Anosa, who also serves as the chairman and publisher of Pinoy Educ News, praised Hombre for his exceptional achievements at such a young age, calling his new role a significant milestone for both himself and the community of entrepreneurs and professionals who admire him.
In his congratulatory message, Anosa stated, “Ronnel’s appointment as Director 3 of the Bureau of Customs is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and commitment to excellence. We are proud to see one of our own rise to such an important position in public service, and we are confident that he will continue to inspire many with his work.”
Anosa, who previously served as chief of staff to former CHED Commissioner Ronald Adamat, highlighted the importance of young leaders like Hombre stepping into pivotal government roles. “The future of our nation lies in the hands of capable young professionals like Ronnel. His appointment is a testament to the dedication and talent of the next generation.”
Hombre’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Bureau of Customs, which faces ongoing challenges in streamlining operations and ensuring transparency. His leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the agency.
As a respected leader within the Marikina City Gladiator Eagles Club, Anosa expressed the group’s full support for Hombre, affirming that they will stand behind him in his pursuit of better governance and public service for the Filipino people.
A member of Tagasupil Empire Eagles Club NCR Region XII, Hombre is also the President and CEO of Farron Cafe, a nationwide brand with over 200 franchises.
ia/mnm
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos to spur the country’s economy, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio has collected P330.27 billion from January to May 13, 2024.
This, in effect, made the BOC — an attached agency under the Department of Finance (DOF) — surpass its collection target in the first five months of 2024 by 3.9 percent and overshoot its P317.87 billion goal for the past five months by P12.41 billion.
“The BOC remains committed to contributing to DOF’s goal of fostering national socio-economic growth by collecting additional revenue for our fellow Filipino people and guarding the country’s borders,” Rubio said.
The BOC also reported that it conducted 132 apprehensions in the first quarter, resulting in seizures valued at approximately P28.02 billion.
Apprehensions and seizures encompassed a range of items, including general merchandise, counterfeit goods, cigarettes/tobacco, and illicit drugs discovered at various ports.
Within the fuel marking program, the BOC said 7.01 billion liters of fuel were marked in the current year, with fuel worth P908.52 billion marked from 2019 to May 9, 2024.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Despite being neatly concealed inside balikbayan boxes, alert operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country dried high-grade marijuana or “kush” from Thailand estimated to be worth P76-million.
On Friday (01 Mar 2024), the BOC said in its press statement that the Manila International Container Port (MICP) immediately issued an alert order after its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received derogatory information about a certain shipment that allegedly contained illegal drugs and misdeclared or underdeclared items.
“Over the past year, the BOC has consistently demonstrated dedication in thwarting the infiltration of controlled substances across our borders,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
With the help of PDEA, Customs operatives seized the shipment upon determining that it contained “kush” with an estimated value of P76 million found inside five balikbayan boxes, consisting of two smaller boxes.
The BOC claimed that the subject shipment underwent a 100% physical examination on Tuesday (27 February 2024), revealing approximately 63,360 grams of dried marijuana or “kush” that has a standard drug price of P1,200.00 per gram.
“The commendable success of this operation sends a resounding message that we will not be stopped in our fight to protect the nation from the dangers of illegal drugs,” Rubio added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Exhorting the men and women of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to uphold integrity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to remain a symbol of trust, honesty, and efficiency.
During the agency’s 122nd anniversary celebration at the Rizal Park Hotel on Tuesday (13 February 2024), Finance Secretary Ralph Recto also commended the BOC for its incredible dedication and valuable contributions to its mission.
“The President himself has specifically emphasized that we must ensure a future where the BOC remains a symbol of trust, honesty, and efficiency — principles that will nurture a thriving economic environment and form the bedrock of every Filipino’s aspirations,” Recto said.
The newly-appointed Finance chief highlighted the BOC’s role in upholding the integrity of international trade, protecting national interest, and promoting economic growth and stability.
Meanwhile, BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip “Jet” Maronilla has expressed confidence that the agency will likely continue its streak of meeting its monthly goal collection in February.
The BOC has a collection goal of less than P70 billion this month of February.
Maronilla noted that since February is usually inventory season, it could affect the volume of imports.
“Usually during the Chinese New Year, there’s an inventory period of about two weeks, they do it in China. So it’s going to affect about two weeks of our collection. (Despite) the drop in the volume, we’re hoping to have a surplus still. We’re pretty confident that we’ll be able to meet the February target, even despite the drop in volume,” he said.
For his part, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the agency under his leadership is committed to meeting the collection goal of around P1 trillion this year.
“The BOC is geared up for intensified efforts in 2024. We are committed to working twice as hard to ensure that we meet and exceed our year-end revenue target,” Rubio said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With the announcement of newly-appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto that he would prioritize the collection of taxes for the country’s coffers, reshuffle rumors once again rocked the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Customs insiders told Maharlika NuMedia that Recto should look into the hold-over appointees of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holding top positions at the BOC.
They said the “Duterte appointees” should have resigned irrevocably out of delicadeza when the new administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. took over the reins of government.
‘Number one is to collect for next year, I think P4.3 trillion in taxes, P3 trillion with the BIR, P1 trillion with the BOC and I think the Treasury has P300 million, it’s all about fiscal sustainability,” Recto said at a Palace press briefing on Friday (12 January 2024).
Some Customs brokers, however, said the new Finance chief should also look into the “high duties and taxes” that tend to discourage importers.
”So every night, when I wake up in the morning, dapat ang nakolekta natin more or less P20 billion to fund all the needs of our people, the requirements of the government and to make sure that the money is spent wisely,” Recto quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
Bureau of Customs, Port of Cebu Sub-Port of Mactan Collector Gerardo “Gerry” A. Campo (left, with sunglasses ), and Port of Cebu District Collector Atty. Ricardo “RM” Uy Morales II, CESE, pose for posterity after handing over certificates of commendation awards to the Sub-Port of Mactan personnel in recognition of the port’s outstanding performance in revenue collection in 2023.
By Junex Doronio
LAPU-LAPU CITY — In recognition of their sterling performance in surpassing their assigned collection target and collecting a total of ₱1,663,833,583.56, personnel from different divisions of the Sub-Port of Mactan under the Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu were awarded certificates of commendation.
Together with the Port of Cebu District Collector Atty. Ricardo “RM” UY Morales II, CESE, Sub-Port Collector Gerardo “Gerry” A. Campo distributed on Monday (January 8, 2024) the certificates of commendation to the Sub-Port employees after the flag-raising ceremony.
Campo noted the employees’ significant contribution to the Port’s successful revenue collection in 2023 with the collection totaling ₱1,663,833,583.56 or a positive deviation of 45.53% against its collection target of ₱1,143,300,000.00.
“The Sub-Port of Mactan has achieved another milestone that reaffirms the Port’s commitment to achieving its goals. Also, all of this wouldn’t be possible if not for the commendable efforts of and teamwork manifested by Sub-Port of Mactan Personnel. Let us give kudos to everyone who brought this phenomenal achievement into existence.” Campo said.
He added that this annual recognition of the personnel’s effort is in line with Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s priority program in boosting employees’ morale and uplifting employees’ welfare and development.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the Bureau of Customs’ investigation after a viral video on social media showed a content creator saying he bought a care package for P5,000, a top BOC official has clarified that the selling of balikbayan boxes online is covered by a service agreement involving the sender.
“‘Yun pong mismong pinapakita ay kahon mula sa kumpanya… ito po ay binenta sa ilalim po ng service agreement ng mga senders. Ito po kasi ay parang promo. Sa initial report po, lumilitaw po na ito ay promo na ship now, pay later,” BOC acting deputy commissioner Michael Fermin said in a recent interview on GMA-7 Unang Balita television program.
Fermin added that as per the agreement if senders could not pay the cost of shipment and mobilization within two months, they would allow the company to liquidate the balikbayan boxes.
“So ibig sabihin, nagbabayad lang po sila ng downpayment abroad at pagdating po dito, kailangan nilang bayaran ‘yung balanse upon delivery po,” he added.
The BOC deputy commissioner also said that individuals who are found to be selling balikbayan boxes that do not belong to them may be charged with estafa.
He denied claims that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with missing balikbayan boxes must pay P18,000 to P20,000 to locate their parcels.
“Nananawagan po kami na ‘wag po silang bastang maniwala. Nagkalat po ang mga scam, nagpapakilala na empleyado ng BOC at kailangan magbayad. Kailanman po, hindi po mag sisingil ang BOC, lalo na po over the phone,” Fermin said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Several employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have expressed disappointment that they won’t be receiving the much-awaited P1.3 billion total Christmas bonus before the current year ends.
Insiders told Maharlika NuMedia that the reason why their bonuses are suddenly withheld is because they would be taxed 35 percent this year.
If they wait until next year, the tax would only be 15 percent because of “some (tax) amnesty,” the Customs insiders explained.
Earlier, they were ecstatic over the news that because of their past performance in surpassing the P584.88-billion collection target in 2018, some 3,000 regular employees of the BOC will have a bountiful “Media Noche” for the incoming New Year as they expected to receive their respective bonuses.
On Saturday (December 9) Marlon Agaceta, chief of staff of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, said the approval and release of the bonus “took time” because the collections had to be confirmed and go through the process.
“As long as pasok sa 6-month period na dapat you are an employee, kahit na retired ka na, you will be receiving the reward,” Agaceta said in a news forum.
He added: “We are positive enough that those rewards will be distributed before the end of the year.”
But it turned out to be negative.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that the reward, in the form of a Christmas bonus, was given to employees from way back in 2018 when BOC surpassed its P584.88-billion target.
The succeeding years after the year 2018 have yet to be accounted for, the BOC explained.
Under the LAL or Republic Act 9335, officials and employees of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and BOC who exceed their respective revenue targets of the year would be given incentives in proportion to their relative contribution to the aggregate amount of the excess collection.
For 12 long years, from Aquino to Duterte administrations, the LAL had been in limbo and it’s only under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that Customs employees said they can now feel that their efforts are aptly recognized and rewarded.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — For surpassing the P584.88-billion collection target in 2018, some 3,000 regular employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will have a bountiful “Media Noche” for the incoming New Year as they will receive a total of P1.3 billion bonus before the current year ends.
This was announced on Saturday (December 9) by Marlon Agaceta, chief of staff of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, who said the approval and release of the bonus “took time” because the collections had to be confirmed and go through the process.
“As long as pasok sa 6-month period na dapat you are an employee, kahit na retired ka na, you will be receiving the reward,” Agaceta said in a news forum.
He added: “We are positive enough that those rewards will be distributed before the end of the year.”
The reward was given to employees from way back in 2018, when BOC surpassed its P584.88-billion target.
The succeeding years after the year 2018 have yet to be accounted for the BOC explained.
“The distribution will be based on the duty of the worker and salary grade, prorated,” Agaceta said. “It will depend sa salary grade na hawak mo at that time at yung port na hawak mo at that time.”
The BOC spokesman also disclosed that the BOC has also reached its target of P795.96-billion from January to November this year (2023) after the agency collected P813.65 billion during the said period.
This amount is P24.05 billion higher than the same collection period in 2022, he said.
“Values are strictly being monitored, thus there is an increase in the collection despite the lower volume of goods. With the intensified smuggling drive, nagiging mas compliant ang importers,” Agaceta claimed.
He noted that in the first 11 months of 2023, the BOC seized P42.49 billion worth of smuggled goods.
By Junex Doronio
CONCERNED THAT MANY FILIPINOS fall prey to dubious forwarding companies, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Saturday advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in the Philippines to choose their forwarders “wisely.”
The BOC noted that some “unscrupulous forwarders abroad took advantage of OFWs by offering lower shipping fees for balikbayan boxes” but in reality, they have no local counterpart that will facilitate the clearance and delivery to the intended beneficiaries.
“This resulted in non-declaration and non-payment of duties, taxes, and charges due thereon with BOC, leading to the subsequent abandonment of the boxes,” the country’s revenue collection agency said in a statement.
The agency said the OFWs who paid fees to overseas forwarders for shipping their balikbayan boxes to their families, “with local forwarders left uncompensated.”
On Saturday, the BOC announced that it distributed last October 26 some 87 “abandoned” balikbayan boxes at a warehouse in Sta. Ana, Manila to their intended claimants.
Customs officials said the balikbayan boxes were sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, but were abandoned by alleged unscrupulous forwarding companies.
“Unscrupulous forwarders abroad took advantage of OFWs by offering lower shipping fees for balikbayan boxes, enticing them to use their services, but without a counterpart local deconsolidation that will facilitate the clearance and delivery thereof to intended beneficiaries,” the BOC said.
The BOC has the OFWs and the public be more circumspect and exercise extra caution in selecting forwarding companies for their balikbayan boxes to ensure the reliability and integrity of the services they engage.
(ai/mnm)
In a decisive move, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) thwarted an audacious theft attempt involving goods that had been previously seized and secured in a warehouse situated in Pasay City.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, October 26, 2023, resulted in the apprehension of 67 Filipino individuals and 10 Chinese nationals.
The BOC had received information that the warehouse, which had been sealed and padlocked as part of BOC’s efforts to combat intellectual property rights (IPR) violations, specifically in the areas of clothing apparel, footwear, and bags, was under threat.
Director Verne Enciso of the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) stated that the operation was executed in collaboration with CIIS-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) following information provided by a well-placed informant. The warehouse had previously been subjected to a Letter of Authority (LOA).
Upon receiving this critical information, a team from the BOC’s Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) swiftly moved into action, conducting an operation at 112 M. Acosta St., Barangay 77, Pasay City, to halt the illicit activities.
During the operation, 67 Filipinos and 10 Chinese nationals were apprehended as they attempted to break the BOC seal and transport the confiscated contraband from the upper floor to the ground floor. Additionally, authorities spotted a closed truck van (L300) with the plate number TNP 882, which was laden with forfeited goods.
Commissioner Bien Rubio immediately ordered the suspects to cease their activities, and they will undergo inquest proceedings.
Rubio emphasized the broader mandate of the BOC, stating, “This operation underscores the extent of the BOC’s responsibilities. Beyond curbing illicit activities and seizing prohibited products, we must also take the lead in ensuring that these seized items remain in our custody until legal proceedings are concluded, and we receive instructions from the appropriate courts on the disposal or liquidation process.”
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy assured that all forfeited items were thoroughly accounted for through on-site verification.
“The success of each operation, including its legal proceedings, is vital to the well-being of the Philippine industry. These operations not only demonstrate our commitment but also convey a strong message to businesses considering investments here,” Uy emphasized.
Uy also highlighted the significant impact of these operations on local businesses, employment, and the overall appeal of the Philippines as an investment destination.
This comprehensive operation was conducted in coordination with the Enforcement and Security Service-Quick Reaction Team (ESS-QRT), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling (BATAS), the Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD), and the local barangay.
(Report and photos by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
MANILA – In a remarkable achievement, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) surpassed its collection target for September by PHP 2.78 billion.
According to data released on Wednesday, the bureau’s total collection for the past month reached PHP 79.22 billion, marking a 3.6 percent increase from its PHP 76.44 billion target for the month.
Furthermore, the BOC also exceeded its revenue target for the period spanning January to September, accumulating a total of PHP 660.72 billion. This represents a 2.57 percent increase when compared to the PHP 644.18 billion target set for the nine-month period.
Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio credited this remarkable collection performance to efficient customs operations, heightened trade activity, and rigorous revenue collection initiatives.
Additionally, Commissioner Rubio reported the successful outcome of 730 anti-smuggling operations, leading to the confiscation of smuggled goods valued at PHP 35.96 billion.
Simultaneously, Rubio highlighted the recent collaboration between the Bureau of Customs, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Strategic Trade Management Office, and ARISE Plus Philippines. This partnership aims to streamline customs procedures and enhance trade competitiveness.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
LIKE A SWORD OF DAMOCLES, a “big change” is expected to rock the Bureau of Customs (BOC) following the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify its anti-smuggling campaign and prevent the entry of smuggled rice in the country.
“We need to tighten our guards against the illegal importation or smuggling of rice because what happens, this smuggled rice is not immediately being sold, they will hoard the supply to trigger rice prices to increase,” said the President who is also the concurrent Agriculture Secretary.
This developed as the President led the distribution of around 1,500 sacks of confiscated smuggled rice to indigent families in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday, September 19.
It was gathered that the rice distributed was part of the 42,180 sacks of premium quality rice worth P42 million seized by the BOC-Port of Zamboanga under District Collector Arthur Sevilla Jr. during its raid at a warehouse in Brgy. San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City on Sept. 15.
“That is why I directed our partners in the customs to tighten well and not allow the entry of the smuggled rice,” PBBM said.
Rumors swirled at the BOC that PBBM will be replacing the holdover appointees of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
At the same time, the complaints of several Customs brokers and stakeholders about the “unjustified high duties and taxes” imposed on the imported goods continued to persist.
(ai/mnm)
AMID THE GRUMBLINGS of several players at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) due to what they call “impractically high” duties and taxes, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) warned smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products that their days were numbered.
Does it also mean that there will be changes at the country’s revenue-generating agency that is seemingly helpless in stamping out agri smuggling while some of the appointees of former President Digong Duterte are still in their holdover position?
“Sadyang hindi tama ang kanilang gawain at hindi rin ito tugma sa ating magandang layunin, pandaraya ang kanilang ginagawa,” PBBM pointed out.
I concur with the President.
“Napapahamak hindi lamang mga magsasaka, kundi tayo ring mamimili kaya’t hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong kalakaran. Bilang na ang araw ng mga smugglers at hoarders na ‘yan,” the Chief Executive stressed.
Even the critics of PBBM admit that the President is “sobrang mabait.”
If only President listens to Kenny Rogers’ “Coward of the county” song or Alice Cooper’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” song and really kick hard the smugglers’ butt.
It is not rocket science to deduce that these Agri smugglers must be in cahoots with a few corrupt Customs officials.
Sad to say while these few corrupt officials are enjoying their loot, so to speak, the salaries of the lowly Customs employees are not at par with those of other government agencies.
Whenever it’s raining cats and dogs, some outports don’t even have a shuttle mini bus to offer rides to stranded Customs employees.
To think that the BOC is raking in billions of pesos from their “exorbitant” duties and taxes, their comfort rooms ironically remain uncomfortable.
Apparently fearing reprisal, many Customs brokers don’t openly oppose the “high” duties and taxes on their shipments.
I wonder what’s the use of the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. when it cannot fight for the rights and welfare of CCBI members.
However, just like an old FPJ movie, there will come a time of reckoning.
Kapag napuno na ang salop. (ai/mnm)