Trading firm execs charged for smuggling of fake goods

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday filed charges against the directors of a trading firm and its customs broker for  smuggling P60 million worth of counterfeit goods.   

Charged before the Department of Justice were Telsphere International Trading Corp. (Telsphere) directors Rogelio Soledad, Marilou Sucaldito, Michael Soledad, Audrey Morales, Alfredo Bulaon and customs broker Rhodora Ragaza.

BOC Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said Telsphere declared that its two 40-foot shipping containers, which arrived at the Port of Manila from China last Aug. 27, contained various goods, including kitchenware, shoes, pants, clothing and batteries.

Upon inspection by BOC-Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) operatives, it was found that the shipment contained counterfeit goods, including motorcycle parts, beauty and food products, shoes, tires and clothing.

“Had these fake brands been able to get through Customs, it could have threatened the safety of consumers. Moreover, its negative impact on the local business and labor would be tremendous,” Biazon said.

“We are not just complying with the Commissioner’s order to file smuggling cases at least, twice a month, but we have also enhanced and tightened our cases,” said Deputy Commissioner for revenue collection and monitoring group and Run-After-Tax-Evaders head Peter Manzano.