Customs welcomes transfer of some functions to BIR

CEBU, Philippines - The chief of the Interim Customs Accreditation and Registration for Visayas welcomes the proposal to transfer the accreditation and post-audit functions from the Bureau of Customs to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Arneth Manquiquis, BOC-ICARE Visayas chief, said it is a good move to compel importers to pay correct taxes.

“That’s why, in my case, I will not accept accreditation with incomplete documents,” said Manquiquis.

Manquiquis said she requires certified true copy from BIR to see if the companies applying for registration with the BOC are legitimate importers.

“Anyway, BIR is our sister agency, so mas maayo na nga adto na nila ang maong function,” Manquiquis added.

Customs commissioner Ruffy Biazon said that the proposal would help unburden the BOC of going after bogus importers.

“The BIR would be the best agency to determine the legitimacy of companies as they have extensive records and more comprehensive procedures in verifying the real existence of companies.” Biazon said.

The Department of Finance also proposed to transfer the BOC’s post entry audit functions to the BIR.

“This will definitely be a big help for the BOC as the BIR does not only have more trained people in audit and taxation, but they also have more stringent audit procedures.” Biazon said.

However, Biazon said there are considerations that they need to iron out with the BIR before the DOF proposal could be implemented, like the valuation and classification issue on importations. (FREEMAN)