Jetti denies oil smuggling charges

MANILA, Philippines - Fuel retailer Jetti Petroleum Inc. on Wednesday dismissed allegations that it was involved in oil smuggling.

In a statement emailed to the press, Jetti said the allegations made by big oil companies Petron Corp. and Shell "have put in a  bad light the government revenue collecting agencies, the export processing zones, the shipping industry, and the small oil industry, among other stakeholders."

"Jetti Petroleum...is one of those small players being affected by all these controversies. We wish to clarify that there has been no real case filed in the courts against our company and that we are also one with the government in resolving this issue once and for all,"  the company said.

Jetti added that it has received recognition and awards for among the top taxpayers and revenue contributors from 2010 to 2012.

"Jetti was awarded as the No. 1 Revenue Contributor for Year 2012 by the BOC Collection District 10, Port of Cagayan de Oro City for its payment of P1.51 billion in total customs duties and taxes.

"In 2011, Jetti was awarded as the no. 2 importer for duties and taxes paid amounting to P1.16 billion from the said port. In 2010, Jetti was also awarded as one of the top 10 taxpayers for duties and taxes paid amounting to  P806 million in the same port," the company added.

The Bureau of Customs filed charges against officials of Jetti and  other independent oil players for alleged  oil smuggling and other illegal acts involving the importation of petroleum products.