Congress body relieves special consultant

MANILA, Philippines – The Congressional Oversight Committee on Physical Examination of Imported Articles (COCPEIA) has relieved its special consultancy team over allegations of extortion and harassment. COCPEIA chairman, Rep. Exequiel Javier, issued the order after meeting with Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Napoleon Morales.

The committee has the power to place its own set of rules to guarantee that imported articles pay the required duties and taxes they are released.

COCPEIA can also order the re-examination of all imported cargoes passing through Philippine ports even if the BOC has already issued a go-signal to release the cargo – whether passing through the “super green lane” or the usual clearing of cargoes.

Stakeholders earlier said that if Congress implements the measure, it will put pressure on the movement of goods since it will place another bureaucratic step before goods can be cleared to enter the economy, either for processing or for consumption.

The BOC is starting to receive complaints about delays in shipments due to the new measure. Port users, led by the Port Users Confederation, earlier said Cocpeia would render the automation program of BOC a problem as it will require more documentary process, as well as requiring its own examination area from the port operators.

COCPEIA has deputized former BOC employees and customs brokers to conduct the examination of cargoes.