MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is aiming to reduce the processing time of imports to four hours by next year, Commissioner John Philip Sevilla announced during the plenary session on Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday.
The commissioner added that the BOC's goal for next year is to be streamlined, predictable and efficient.
Sevilla said that shifting to a totally electronic system would help the bureau in speeding imports processing in ports. The BOC currently lacks computer systems and functioning Internet connection which delay the processing system in ports.
When asked about what the BOC is currently doing to address corrupt syndicates, Sevilla answered that there is a struggle within constraints of civil service rules.
"Hindi ako pulis," Sevilla said, adding that it his not his job to catch the "bad guys".
The commissioner admitted that he would rather spend time in improving the BOC's current system.
The BOC started to codify rules on a single document due to the confusion among Customs staff when donations poured for typhoon Yolanda victims last year.