MICP evaluation failure due to rundown state

This refers to the banner of The Philippine STAR in its April 16, 2013 issue which reads “150 gov’t offices flunk red tape test” which appeared in its front page written by Mr. Michael Punongbayan stating that “BOC offices in the sub ports of Mariveles in Bataan and Cavite, Kalibo International Airport, Mindanao International Container Port, Manila International  Container Port, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pair Cargo, General Santos City and Davao failed the evaluation.”

Insofar as the Manila International Container Port, Bureau of Customs is concerned, and so as not to create a negative impression from the reading public and stakeholders, that our port failed in the evaluation and assessment conducted by the Civil Service Commission due to its physical condition.

By and large, the MICP had substantially complied with the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 or Republic Act 9845 such as prominently posting of Citizens Charter which lists the frontline services offered, step by step procedures, time needed to complete the transactions, the presence of public assistance desk, the availability of special lanes for elderly and people with disabilities, and compliance with the no noon break.

Admittedly, our Port failed in the said evaluation due to the physical condition of the MICP edifice which was built way back in 1978. We had already requested for its repair and renovation to address this issue and at the moment there is an on-going construction to plug such problem.

Thus, to set the records straight, the only reason why MICP failed in the evaluation and assessment by the CSC was solely due to the above stated reason and not the perceived red tape in various departments/agencies of the government. In fact, we garnered an 86.08 final score based on Survey Report on October 1, 2 and 3, 2012.

Attached are copies of The Philippine STAR April 16, 2013 issue and ARTA Report Card by NCR Regional Director Myrna Y. Macatangay for reference. — Engr. Ricardo R. Belmonte, Ceso V, District Collector, Bureau of Customs, Manila International Container Port