The Seaworld Management and Trading Inc. has filed a petition for review before the Court of Tax Appeals over the forfeiture of the P1-billion MT Alpine vessel by the Bureau of Customs on Dec. 17, 2016.
Customs said that SMTI questioned the legality of the forfeiture by the BOC-Port of Limay and appealed to CTA for the release of the vessel.
MT Alpine was accused of unlawful discharge and transfer of fuel oil to MT Malolos without having paid taxes.
District Collector Julius Premediles, head of Port of Limay, disputed SMTI’s claim for appeal.
“The non-payment of duties and taxes on the subject shipment which was discharged via loop loading from their vessel to MT Malolos qualifies the importation as contrary to law thus subject to seizure and forfeiture,” Premediles said.
He stressed that SMTI should have exhausted all administrative remedies before bringing the case to the CTA.
The vessel was forfeited in favor of the state in accordance with Section 1113 (a) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016 and other customs laws, rules, and regulations.
Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon has reminded illegal traders to straighten up and strictly observe the rules to avoid problems.
“We are guarding all forms of illicit trade no matter how big or small the company, especially agricultural products, cigarettes, drugs, and fuel,” he said.