'Corruption at Customs down by 80% in 3 years'

MANILA, Philippines – Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez has vowed to cut corruption in the bureau by 80 percent in three years.

“I cannot stop graft and corruption overnight. But when I came in from the private sector, I thought it would take a while or six years to reform. But with the signs I am seeing right now, maybe it would only take three years to realize that dream. Maybe we could get rid of 80 percent of graft and corruption,” Alvarez said.

He said rank-and-file Customs employees are inspired by President Aquino’s leadership by example and are supportive of the anti-corruption drive within the agency.

“Full transparency and the leadership by example from the presidency would rub off on them,” Alvarez said.

As part of streamlining operations and removing opportunities for graft, the BOC would conduct “profiling per industry” to get a clearer picture of the “total supply chain” of top import products, such as rice, oil, and steel.

Alvarez said a database of importation would include the names of the concerned customs auditor, customs broker and the destination of the imports.

He added that they would also be linking up with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to determine if big-time importers are paying the proper taxes.

“This would be a good move. It would be a deterrent against smuggling,” the Customs chief said, adding that lifestyle checks on officials and personnel would continue under the Finance department’s Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS).

Specifically, Alvarez said he would make it mandatory for Customs officials seeking promotion to first undergo a lifestyle check. “During their first month on the job, I want to see their actual performance. Maybe in three months’ time, we would see how they are actually performing,” he said.

He added that he is also mulling over “compulsory acquisition” of undervalued goods, as allowed under section 2317 of the Tariffs and Customs Code.