In a meeting with the members of the Surplus Importers and Brokers Association of the Philippines (SIBAP), Customs Commissioner Antonio Bernardo said he had issued instructions for the immediate release of all pending used motor vehicle spare parts from Customs warehouses after Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II clarified that such importations are not covered by EO 156.
Bernardo also encouraged surplus-exporting countries, especially Japan, to continue with their trade since the importation of used spare parts had been declared exempted from the ban on importation of second-hand vehicles.
At the same time, Bernardo dismissed two employees of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) after they were positively identified by SIBAP president Maria B. Zapata as "extortionists."
CIIS agents Tito Emperial and Ricky Rogadillo of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) were allegedly demanding P50,000 per container for the release of the shipment of SIBAP members. The alleged extortion activities were the result of the confusion on the implementing rules and regulation of EO 156, SIBAP claimed.
The group, after expressing their gratitude to Bernardo for his prompt decision, vowed to abide by the established circulars and memoranda of the Bureau of Customs for the processing and clearance of imported used truck and car spare parts and components.
SIBAP previously appealed to President Arroyo to exempt their cargo from EO 156, saying the importation of replacement parts is legal under Central Bank Circular No. 1389 as certified by the Board of Investments.