House leaders mull third party monitoring of BOC

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers yesterday proposed a multi-sectoral “third party monitoring system” to establish a more effective transparency and accountability mechanism to fight corruption and smuggling at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento and Valenzuela Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo stressed the envisioned third party monitoring mechanism was not intended to encroach on the efforts of Customs to stamp out smuggling.

“If we set up a mechanism where citizens can have the opportunity in monitoring and assessing the performance of the BOC, we will be more effective in our campaign against smuggling and corruption,” Sarmiento said.

He said corruption is rampant at the BOC that even a mere clerk can afford to buy a Porsche sports car.

Sarmiento said the proposed multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary third party panel could be composed of people from reputable civil society organizations, academe and religious organizations, just like in other government projects or agencies.

Sarmiento also expressed support for the efforts of retired general and Customs deputy commissioner Jesse Dellosa in the fight against smuggling despite attempts to discredit him.

“It looks like General Dellosa has already stirred the hornets’ nest when he was appointed at the BOC and this could be the reason why there is a demolition campaign against him. It’s just unfortunate that while the BOC is now making great progress in the fight against graft and corruption, efforts to destroy the reputation of the institutions are persistent and relentless,” Sarmiento said.

Gunigundo supported the idea of forming a third party monitoring body but with a slight difference.