The Customs Bureau’s intensified campaign against smuggling resulted in the seizure of more than P23 billion worth of contraband and other illegally imported goods in the first half of the year.
At least 603 seizures were made from January to June 2023 and most of these shipments were smuggled counterfeit products, agricultural products, tobacco products, illegal drugs, and general merchandise.
Some of the notable seizures were P86 million worth of misdeclared sugar from Hong Kong in Port of Subic on March 15; P1.4 billion worth of imported cigarettes in a Sulu warehouse on March 2; and P3.8 million worth of shabu at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – DHL Express Warehouse on May 8.
Early this month, the Port of Subic also intercepted P240 million worth of counterfeit products smuggled from Bangladesh.
Those seizures were among the achievements made by the Bureau of Customs under the leadership of Commissioner Bien Rubio for the first six months, demonstrating its commitment to its 5-Point Priority Program for the calendar year 2023 pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
In the first half of the year, the bureau surpassed its revenue target of P420.664 billion by collecting P433.433 billion, surpassing the target by 3.04% or P12.768 billion.
The agency attributed its good collection performance to its improved system of determining customs’ value, leading to a higher assessment rate.
It also generated an additional P1.257 billion in revenue from audit findings and Prior Disclosure Program applications during the same period.
The BOC collected an additional P29.718 million from Public Auctions conducted in the Ports of Manila, Davao, and Manila International Container Port. The bureau also prioritized the modernization of its systems and streamlined customs processes, resulting in an impressive 96.39% rate
of digitalization for 160 out of 166 procedures under the 2021 Citizen’s Charter.
The agency is also establishing ICT projects such as the E-Service Catalog System, Document Management System, Over Staying Cargo
Tracking System, Automated Export Declaration System (AEDS), and Customs Auction Monitoring System, further enhancing efficiency and
transparency.
In its Fuel Marking Program, the bureau marked 9.42 billion liters of fuel, equivalent to P114.53 billion in duties and taxes, successfully
combating illicit fuel trade.
The BOC also took strict action against Customs law violators, revoking the accreditation of 33 customs brokers and 85 importers.
Additionally, 74 criminal complaints were filed with the Department of Justice, and two administrative complaints were filed with the
Professional Regulation Commission.
Commissioner Rubio expressed his gratitude to the dedicated employees of the BOC for their unwavering commitment to achieving these
accomplishments. He reiterated the agency’s dedication to continuous improvement and emphasized its determination to enhance services,
foster trade facilitation further, and curb illicit activities.
“As the Bureau of Customs geared toward the future, our team remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity,
transparency, and efficiency. Through their relentless pursuit of excellence, the BOC will continue to play a vital role in the nation’s
economic growth and development,” said Rubio.