BOC seeks non-cash reward for 2006 performance

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is asking the Department of Budget and Management to release its non-cash reward amounting to P134.25 million for its 2006 performance as provided under the Lateral Attrition Act of 2005.

Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said the non-cash reward for the agency would be used to finance vital infrastructure projects in the country’s ports which, in turn, would help the agency improve its operations.

These improvements, Morales said, would help the agency meet its P300-billion collection goal for 2009.

 “We need this to meet our P300-billion collection target for next year,” Morales said.

Morales pointed out that the repairs are needed for the dilapidated facilities of Customs ports around the country.

However, the interagency Revenue Performance Evaluation Board (RPEB) has yet to approve the release of the P134.25-million non-cash reward.

The Lateral Attrition Law provides for a system of reward and punishment for BOC and Bureau of Internal Revenue officials and employees depending on their performance. Those who fall short of their collection targets by at least 7.5 percent would be dismissed from service while those who go beyond expectations would be given incentives which may include cash.

For 2006, the Customs agency received a cash reward of P500 million for meeting its collection target.

Morales alone, received P5.3 million in reward money for the agency’s 2006 performance.