THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has expressed its support on the investigation served by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) against the Port of Manila (POM) and the Manila International Container Port.
Subpoenas were earlier served to the two major ports to secure documents related to smuggling and unauthorized release of shipments.
According to BOC Spokesman and Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, the Bureau is working closely with the PACC by sending documents that are relevant for the evaluation. “This cooperation with PACC is part of our continuous campaign against corruption, which is one of the priorities that the commissioner has been emphasizing since his assumption as customs chief,” Maronilla said.
The BOC said in a statement it remains committed in putting policy reforms in order to address the problem of corruption in the Bureau. It added that since November 2018, show-cause orders were issued against 119 customs employees for noncompliance with existing customs rules and regulations. Furthermore, 23 administrative and 25 criminal complaints were filed against errant customs personnel.
Several customs personnel were dismissed from the service this year, including a POM customs guard. The dismissal stemmed from a complaint received through a government hotline. The hotline was established in August to help BOC get rid of corrupt practices from among its ranks.
A “No Contact Policy” is being implemented in the Accounts Management Office through the Customer Care Portal System (CCPS).
The CCPS, which was introduced in June, as a web-based application designed to combat red tape and promote transparency and efficiency in the delivery of customs services.
Through this system, importers and customs brokers may apply online for accreditation with BOC without face-to-face transactions with customs personnel. As of today, an estimated 17,500 importers and 2,200 customs brokers are actively transacting with BOC.