BOC-Cebu collection falls short of target

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu failed to attend its target collection for the first and second quarter of the year.

Based on the Monthly Collection Report released by Conrado Abarintos, chief of the Collection Division, BOC-Cebu collected a total of P8,243,647,000, which is lower than its target collection of P8,583,830,000 from January to July of this year.

BOC-Cebu has a target collection of P15.605 billion for 2015.

The BOC has a total of 18 collection districts nationwide with a combined target collection of P436.592 billion for 2015.

For BOC-Cebu, the April collection has the highest deficit wherein it incurred a deficiency of P328.396 million as it was only able to collect P1,015,144,000 against its target collection of P1,343,540,000.

Abarintos said that the negative collection for April was attributed to the decrease in the volume of importation and weather disturbances – which prompted some vessels not to dock at the Cebu International Port on time – some holidays and change of customs administration.

For the month of August, BOC-Cebu has a target collection of P1,290,000,000 with a target daily collection of P71 million, Abarintos said.

Abarintos, however, remains optimistic that by October to November, they can post a positive income.

He said that during these months, the volume of importation will increase due to the Christmas season.

Among the top import commodities here include coal, steel and oil, owing to the several power plants in Cebu and the booming construction business.

Abarintos further said that these three import commodities are considered bulk importation wherein one vessel alone can carry at least 20,000 container vans.

He said the import commodities comprise 40 percent of the total volume of importation in Cebu.  (FREEMAN)