SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Customs brokers and importers were up in arms Wednesday, July 30, for one last time over strict accreditation rules, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) remained adamant in its decision not to extend the deadline for the accreditation of importers and brokers beyond Thursday, July 31.
Customs spokesperson Charo Logarta-Lagamon said that the agency has been in constant dialogue with groups concerned, and even the Department of Finance (DOF) has met them.
“However, we implement rules, we can’t keep extending the deadline,” Lagamon said.
Brokers and importers would be “delisted from CRPS (Client Profile Registration System)-E2M (Electronic to Mobile) system” and would not be allowed their shipments if they fail to meet the deadline, BOC said in a disseminated notice.
Brokers and importers are being required to submit “requisite documents, including the actual BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) clearance certificates.”
Beating the deadline
Although the crowd at the Gate 3 of South Harbor, Manila was thin compared to their previous rallies, protesters still made their presence felt at BOC.
“The requirements are just beyond imagination. Very hard to comply with,” Mary Zapata, president of Aduana Business Club, said in a separate interview.
The requirements include, among others, a certificate of true copy from the Securities and Exchange Commission of the customs brokerage firm’s registration and the clearance from BIR.
After their rally, BOC called a meeting with importers’ and brokers’ groups on the issue of accreditation procedures.
Zapata said they want the BOC to follow the Manila Regional Trial Court’s order to “simplify and modify the requirements for accreditation.”
“They can profile importers and brokers if they want to identify the smugglers. But with what they are doing right now, everyone would suffer,” Zapata said.
As of Monday, July 28, 7,326 importers and brokers have applied for accreditation. The figure represents 48.86% of the 14,995 importers and brokers registered with BOC.
Shedding the ‘corrupt’ image
In his 2013 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Benigno Aquino III minced no words in shaming the agency widely perceived to be the most corrupt in government.
In his 2014 SONA, the President said that to solve the problem within the agency, a “reset button” was required. The Aquino administration has implemented a string of reforms in BOC such as the creation of a new agency to look into BOC processes, appointment of new commissioner and 5 deputy commissioners, and return of employees to their original positions.
Aquino added that many have made sacrifices to fix the agency, and thanked them for their effort.
“Who would have said yes to taking on these seemingly insurmountable challenges, and without the guarantee of success? Some passed on promotions. Some expressed fears of being targeted by syndicates, in retaliation for the reforms. But, ultimately, they heeded our call to serve. It is only right that I take this opportunity to personally thank these officials, under the leadership of Commissioner (John) Sonny Sevilla,” Aquino said in his 5th SONA. – Rappler.com
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