House probe confirms car smuggling in Cebu

The House committee on good government has established a route of car smuggling activity in Cebu, which confirms the earlier complaint of the auto dealers association.

During the a congressional inquiry yesterday, the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group confirmed that car smuggling indeed happened in the Cebu port.

PASG Director for Intelligence Guillermo Francia IV said their office was able to identify the offices of the Bureau of Customs responsible for the release of the shipment, including imported vehicles.

But PASG Visayas chief Ariel Palcuto said it is unfair to call Cebu as a haven for car smuggling.

Palcuto, who appeared during the congressional investigation, said since he assumed office in August, they have busted several smuggling activities estimated to value at least P30 million.

The committee vowed to unmask the culprits behind the illegal activities allegedly utilizing the Bureau of Customs.

Cebu City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco said the investigation of the committee, chaired by Rep. Pedro Romualdo of Camiguin, had a fruitful start.

Because of PASG’s confirmation, the committee members agreed to summon Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales and Cebu Customs District Collector Ricardo Belmonte.

“Other agencies of the government will also be summoned to help the committee determine the issues,” said Cuenco.

He added that based on the evidence initially presented during the hearing, the lawmakers found out that the system of releasing imported motor-vehicles from BOC is flawed and needs to be addressed through legislation.

“We recommend the old system which is the SGS inspection system to be adopted,” he said, adding that this system was more acceptable to other agencies like PASG and Land Transportation Office.

Cuenco said this system can be easily monitored by agencies involved in the importation of goods.

PASG’s counsel Liza Sebastian and Francia have recommended during the hearing that the old system of inspection be implemented as it can be easily monitored by their office.

Cebu Auto Dealers Association president Jose Manuel Cuenco confirmed during the hearing that they found discrepancy in the figures of the vehicles their members sold in the market.

Romualdo, before he adjourned the hearing, said the committee will not push for the prosecution of those who have violated the law in illegally importing vehicles.

He said the task of his committee is to improve the system available in BOC and LTO by creating measures through legislative action. — Fred P. Languido/LPM