Customs sues alleged smugglers of smartphones, used cars

Rappler.com

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Customs sues alleged smugglers of smartphones, used cars
The agency hopes that charges will deter smugglers, ahead of a measure that seeks harsher punishments for them

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed charges against two firms for allegedly smuggling various items, including smartphones, tablets, and used semi-knockdown Japanese cars valued at more than P4 million ($83,716).

This latest filing of charges shows the BOC is closely watching all ports of entry, the agency said in a statement on Thursday, January 28.

“We laud the efforts of our Customs personnel who are always on guard and true to [their] commitment of curbing smuggling operations. We hope that smugglers be forewarned,” said Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina.

Smuggled gadgets

In September 2015, a container van from Hong Kong arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The Customs Enforcement Group issued an alert order for the shipment, which was consigned to Uranus, a company in Binondo, Manila.

The goods were declared as casing thermoses and gift boxes but turned out to be assorted brands of mobile phones and tablets with a total value of P4,209,872.92 ($88,100).

Uranus’ owner Ritchie Montalban and several others have been charged for violating the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as well as Memorandum Circular 08-08-2004 of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which covers the purchase or retail of mobile phones.  

Honda Fit units

Also sued were Hanna Orquillas and Neil Bryan Oraiz, co-owner and manager of Hanabana Trading Ltd Co, respectively. Hanabana is a company based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Orquillas and Oraiz, along with licensed customs broker Kyle Paulo Villaruz and other unidentified individuals, were charged over the misdeclaration of a container van from Japan that arrived at the Port of Davao on December 1, 2013.

The shipment was declared as used truck parts but was found to contain used semi-knockdown Honda Fit motor vehicles. The total value of the haul was more than P500,000 ($10,466).

Aside from charges of violating the TCCP, the alleged smugglers were also sued for violating Executive Order No. 156 on motor vehicles, and Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

Harsher punishments for smugglers

A 2014 study by Global Financial Integrity showed government lost around $277 billion (P13.23 trillion) in revenues from 1960 to 2011 due to technical smuggling.

Earlier this month, the Senate approved the proposed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), which amends the current TCCP. One of the goals of the measure is to deter smuggling through more automation, as well as stiffer penalties and punishments for smugglers.

The BOC missed its revenue target for 2015, the 5th straight year that it fell short. – Rappler.com

$1 = P 47.80

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