Morales to reform BOC to boost drive vs smuggling

MANILA, Philippines – Commissioner Napoleon Morales will reform the Bureau of Customs to give impetus to the campaign against smuggling.

By doing so, Morales said they would be able to speed up the filing of cases against violators of Customs laws, whether bureau personnel, importers or brokers.

Morales said the Investigation and Enforcement Group will focus on intelligence gathering and enforcement to reduce its load.

“Now, they could enhance their efficiency and focus on anti-smuggling efforts,” he said.

Morales said he would also seek the implementation of the surveyor system that would allow only accredited surveyors to examine incoming bulk shipments.

“This was a measure that we have proposed to the President even before. All we are doing now is finalizing the terms of reference for this measure,” he said.

It would also require the submission of an electronic copy of the surveyor’s report from the port of loading 24 hours before the arrival of the ship at the port of entry to enhance the bureau’s risk management efforts, he added.

Meanwhile, Morales said removing the duties on imported feed would have an adverse effect on the bureau’s collection.

The Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc., the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., and the National Federation of Egg Producers of the Philippines Inc. reportedly called for the removal of tariffs on soybeans, soybean meal, dried distiller grain soluble and tapioca residue pellets.

Morales said agricultural products from other Asian countries are already free from value-added tax under the National Internal Revenue Code.

If they would also be exempted from paying customs duties, they would be paying practically nothing for the importation, he added. – Evelyn Macairan