BOC files raps vs. car smugglers

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs reported on Thursday the filing of charges against two consignees of 17 illegally imported vehicles from Japan and the United States.

BOC said that in less than three months since the apprehensions in December 2012 and February this year, RANTHS General Merchandise owner Anthony Soriano is now facing charges for smuggling a used Range Rover, Mini Cooper and a Nissan 350-Z with a total value of P3 million.

Soriano's 40-foot container van which arrived at the Port of Davao on Feb. 9, 2013 from the United States was seized by Enforcement and Security Service operatives of BOC.

“The Supreme court Ruling affirming the validity of Executive Order No. 156 banning the importation of used vehicles still prevails. Hence, the BOC will stand-by the Supreme Court Ruling and stop any attempt to smuggle used cars into the country” Biazon said.

Meanwhile, Sonny Villatuya, the consignee for the 14 illegally imported, used right-hand drive vehicles from Japan worth P5 million, was also charged for violating Sections 3601 and 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines and Executive Order 156, including Republic Act 8506 banning the registration and operation of right-hand drive cars in the country.

“These laws have been enacted not only to protect the local car manufacturing industry, but also to secure our roads and ensure the safety of Filipino motorists. The BOC shall, therefore, strictly enforce these laws, if only to keep converted right-hand drive cars off our streets,” Biazon said.

Deputy Commissioner for Revenue Collection and Monitoring Group and Run-After-The –Smugglers head Peter Manzano said the bureau will aggressively pursue conviction for both cases.