Customs likely to surpass mid-year target of P124 billion

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it would likely surpass its mid-year target of P124.056 billion but the agency has yet to release the final figures.

From January to April, the BOC collected P83.4 billion or 28.8 percent higher than in the same period last year.

The government is scheduled to release next week the final figures for May.

Morales attributed the rosy collection figures to the agency’s efforts against smuggling and intensified campaign against traders that misdeclare their shipments.

Yesterday, officials of the bureau found four container vans carrying P40 million worth of misdeclared appliances and other accessories at the Manila International Container Port.

Napoleon Morales and Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Horacio Suansing Jr. led the team that inspected the vans yesterday.

Morales said one 20-footer container van was declared to contain 170 packages of hardware materials, while three 40-footer container vans were declared to contain 6,875 hardware materials.

Following an alert order issued by Suansing, the goods underwent a 100-percent examination, during which the shipments’ broker Victor Trinidad was invited to be present, and consignee X-mart Corp. was advised to present a duly authorized representative as a witness. Upon primary inspection of the containers, Customs operatives uncovered appliances and other accessories instead of the declared tools.

“Misdeclaration is outright smuggling,” said Suansing who automatically recommended for the immediate seizure of the goods.