Customs asks for 60 days more

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu (BOC) is asking the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) for an extension of 60 days for them to vacate their current building.

Customs District Collector Ronnie Silvestre in his letter to CPA General Manager Dennis Villamor said that BOC-Cebu, with over 250 personnel, cannot leave yet the premises.

Silvestre explained that the existing builidng of BOC-Cebu is fully computerized with 40 work stations and has Local Area Network (LAN). These stations are operating in diferent departments and cater 24/7 to online transactions for the cargo consolidators, freight forwarders, shipping lines as well as the brokers and importers.

Silvestre stated that the E2M (electronic-to-mobile) system of BOC is designed to accept payments of duties and taxes in auto-debit online transaction from BOC authorized agent’s banks.

He added that some of BOC sub-port offices in the Visayas have engaged in sub-network linked with BOC-Cebu’s main network facilities so in the event that BOC-Cebu’s network fails, the rest of the sub-ports will likewise fail.

Silvestre further said that BOC-Cebu needs ample time for Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon to have an audience with President Benigno Aquino III to reiterate their appeal to reclaim their old Customs building.

“In view of the foregoing, we are appealing from your office that we be granted an extension of another 60 days from October 9, 2012 within which to vacate the premises,” the letter reads.

Earlier, Villamor in his letter to Silvestre dated August 10, 2012 told the later to vacate the building not later than 60 days.

“While the Authority has already given the BOC more than ample time since March 2011 to transfer, the CPA is hereby giving its last and final notice to vacate CPA’s property and its peripheral amenities at the CIP Complex, not later than 60 days from receipt hereof,” Villamor’s letter reads.

The Cebu Port Commission in their resolution dated July 25, 2012 directed CPA management to reiterate and give due notice to BOC-Cebu to transfer its office.

The Commission cited that there is a dire need for operational space for their foreign and domestic operations; and that the memorandum of agreement between CPA and BOC expired in September 30, 2010. Also, the CPA management’s attention was called by government auditors due to the non-remittance by the BOC of the agreed monthly rental of P50,000.

The old BOC building is owned by the bureau and it has a sentimental value since it is the second oldest BOC building in the country. The BOC was forced to vacate their own building after former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converted it to Malacañang sa Sugbo 2004.

Silvestre stressed that it would be unwise for them to rent while their own building is not being used. — (FREEMAN)