Aquino should prioritize cleaning of BOC - Teves

CEBU, Philippines - Putting a stop to smuggling should be a priority of incoming president Benigno Aquino III if he wants to improve revenue collection, outgoing finance secretary Margarito Teves said yesterday.

Teves said Aquino must realize that the fight against smuggling at the Bureau of Customs is not just a duty of the Department of Finance.

“To stop smuggling is not an easy task. It is the responsibility of the entire country not just the responsibility of the Department of Finance,” Teves said in a press conference at the City Sports Club yesterday.

Then again, Teves said the new administration must also consider other options like computerization of the National Single Window Program of BOC such that it would connect to 40 government agencies involved in the issuance of licenses, clearance and permits required in the processing of import/export transactions.

Teves also recommended that government consider the Electronic to Manual Project, which involves full automation of import/export transaction processing in all major ports and establish a fuel marking technology to counter oil smuggling.

Teves said governance measures must be strengthened through improved cooperation with the Department of Justice, the Ombudsman, and the judiciary to convert cases against tax evaders, smugglers and corrupt tax collectors to prosecution and conviction.