P1-B smuggling case filed vs Petronas

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday filed a P1-billion smuggling case against liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dealer Petronas Energy Philippines Inc. (PEPI) for failing to submit the required load port survey.

It was the first case filed by newly appointed Customs Commissioner Ruffino Biazon before the Department of Justice (DOJ), under the Run After The Smugglers (RATS) program, as part of the Aquino government’s anti-smuggling campaign.

Evelyn Cardoza Taneo, chief financial officer of Petronas and Customs brokers Jerilee Canlu, Carlos Baxter, Dennis Ayon and Edgar Rey Gallana Jr. were named respondents in the case.

The BOC is asking the LPG dealer to pay P1.05 billion for its importations from March 2010 to July this year.

Biazon said the load port survey is needed because the importations in 51 entries are considered “high risk” given the nature of the product.

He also raised the possibility of collusion with some Customs personnel.

Petronas is the seventh petroleum firm charged by the BOC under the Aquino administration.