Customs chief threatens to cancel accreditation of 11,000 brokers

MANILA, Philippines – Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon threatened to cancel the accreditation of 11,000 brokers and importers if they do not comply with his order to identify personnel inside the Bureau of Customs (BOC) supposedly involved in illegal activities. 

In a media forum at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday, November 29, Faeldon accused the brokers and importers of taking part in illicit trades and protecting their own interests, saying that not one of them has reported erring BOC personnel despite Faeldon’s appeal in the past to help him clean up the bureau.

“I don’t believe you don’t know anyone who has transacted in illicit procedures in doing your business in BOC. I’m already questioning your honesty in doing your business at BOC. In fact, I’m now contemplating removing all of you, your accreditation, and you will start from zero,” Faeldon said.

“Because this means that technical smuggling and all forms of illicit trades, you’re benefitting from [them]. Because if what you say is true, that brokers and importers are aggravated by the BOC, I don’t think it will take you one year to decide to go and complain [about] these people. I have already proven to you I mean business, why is no one approaching me about it?” he added in a mix of English and Filipino.

The customs chief said that even before he assumed office on June 30, he had asked brokers and importers to identify corrupt personnel and help clean up the bureau.

He accused the brokers and importers of trying to protect their illicit trade activities by failing to report BOC personnel engaging in these transactions.

Faeldon said he will give the brokers and importers until yearend to report erring customs personnel.

“You still have time. Make up [for it] for the country. You’re cheating in paying taxes, tariff. You are the ones trying to avoid paying 100% of duty that is due to the government,” he said.

The former Marine officer at the helm of the graft-ridden agency earlier threatened officials and personnel of the bureau to support efforts to reform the agency. – Rappler.com