Striking Customs brokers push for abolition of PASG

MANILA, Philippines - The groups of striking Customs brokers and truckers yesterday warned of a series of mass actions which will greatly affect the country’s economy unless their demand for the abolition of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group is not promptly addressed by the government.

In a press conference, leaders of the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations and the Alliance of Customs Brokers, Truckers, Importers and Organizations Nationwide claimed that PASG duplicates one of the primary functions of the Bureau of Customs under the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines as amended which is to apprehend, seize, investigate and prosecute acts involving smuggling. 

According to the groups, PASG, which was created by President Arroyo under EO 624, has no implementing rules and regulations that would guide them in its interception of hundreds of containers for random checks – the same containers that have already passed Customs inspection and appraisal. PASG also imposed assessment and additional duties and taxes on imports and exports “solely on its interpretation of Customs laws. PASG also delays cargo trucks and container vans and unlawfully detains some despite previous clearance from the BOC.

“We are issuing our final appeal for official intervention from higher authorities to resolve our demand for PASG’s abolition and the ouster of Finance Undersecretary Antonio Villar Jr.,” said ACTION chairman Ricky Papa.   – Nestor Etolle