MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has started implementing its cashless payment system at the Port of Batangas.
BOC Deputy Commissioner Alexander Arevalo said the Port of Batangas started implementing the new system on Monday as part of the agency’s pilot-testing scheme.
“The other ports will follow eventually,” Arevalo said.
Under the new system, the Port of Batangas is no longer accepting cash and check payments from importers for all transactions.
The move is part of efforts to curb corruption in the agency and raise more revenues, Arevalo said.
Payments will be made via the transfer from bank accounts of the importers and exporters to the account of the agency.
Under the new system, importers are required to pay duties, taxes and fees for all import shipments from accounts they have established and enrolled for automatic debit in authorized agent banks.
Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales issued Customs Administrative Order 10-2009 to implement the new system.