Striking brokers harass truckers

MANILA, Philippines - The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce yesterday complained about Customs brokers allegedly harassing truckers who refuse to join their strike at the Port of Manila.

“Business is hampered and millions and millions of pesos in collectible taxes and dues are lost,” said FPI president Jesus Aranza.

In a media forum in Manila, Aranza blamed Professional Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PCBAPI) head Agapito Mendez Jr. for “reneging on his promise not to harass truckers who are unwilling to support their cause.”

Mendez’s group is picketing the Port of Manila gates to protest what they described as illegal seizures of their imports by the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG).

They are demanding the resignation or relief of PASG chief Antonio Villar.

Aranza stood by PASG’s law enforcement program and accused Mendez himself of engaging in questionable transactions, such as the alleged illegal diversion of P.5 million worth of textile imports in November 2008.

“They want to have Villar fired so they can continue their illegal activities,” Aranza said.   – Nestor Etolle