Subic Customs embarks on investor-friendly programs

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Customs Collection District has embarked on several "pro-active programs" to cut red tape and develop responsible partnership with investors here while sticking to necessary safeguards to ensure enhanced revenue collections.

Speaking before the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce yesterday, district customs collector Billy C. Bibit assured investors that his office will "anticipate and provide for the needs" of the chamber of devising measures to minimize the issuance of alert orders and providing service right at the doorstep of importers upon unloading of cargoes.

Bibit stressed, however, that the "investor-friendly" policies of the Customs office here would not mean any laxity in the implementation of appropriate laws.

"Enforcement will be a joint effort of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, the Enforcement and Security Service, and the Office of the District Collector. Any violation or discrepancy noted will be addressed objectively and fairly," he said.

Investors in this Freeport had earlier expressed concern over "alert orders" issued by the Customs office, especially on tax-exempt vehicles which are used just within the boundaries of the Freeport zone.

They said that these vehicles, as well as other equipment used in businesses, do not fall under Customs jurisdiction while they are within the zone as provided for in RA 7227, or the Bases Conversion Law.

Bibit said, however, that while his office recognizes that Subic Bay is a Freeport zone, there has to be safeguards in place to check and prevent abuses by locators here.

He added that some locators import cargoes in commercial quantities but subsequently declared them as for local consumption or in-house use.

"We have to enforce revenue collections regulations while resolving the customs-related issues that may turn off investors and make Subic Bay less attractive," the Customs official said.

Bibit said the Customs office and the investors here should develop a responsible, transparent partnership "consistent with the existing laws, rules and regulations" to complement fundamental reforms he initiated upon assuming office at the Subic collections district.

Towards this end, he said, investors and the Customs office should devise schemes to properly describe cargoes and imports and minimize the issuance of alert orders.

He also announced that he has forbidden Customs personnel to moonlight as brokers, or to intercede in the release of shipments.