The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Thursday it stepped up its campaign against smuggling in the first quarter of 2024, resulting in the seizure of P18.11 billion worth of illegal goods.
The agency said it also marked 4.81 billion liters of fuel, collecting P61.1 billion in duties and taxes. The program discourages illicit trade and protects customs revenue.
It said in a statement it also the revoked accreditation of 11 importers and three customs brokers and filed 16 criminal charges against unscrupulous stakeholders, bolstering the agency’s efforts to enforce customs regulations and maintain trade integrity.
“While the weight of our responsibilities may be heavy, our unified efforts have not only met but surpassed expectations. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the entire BOC community for their commitment and hard work,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
“I also encourage everyone to maintain the same level of determination in their work, striving continuously to push boundaries for a more modernized and reputable customs administration that every Filipino deserve,” he said.
The BOC generated P219.385 billion in revenues in the first quarter, surpassing its target for the period by P8.489 billion.
It raised additional revenues through the prior disclosure program and other audit findings, totaling to P1.088 billion and P89.071 million, respectively. It raised another P3.890 million from public auctions.
The BOC said it made significant progress in digitalizing customs processes as it started the pilot implementation of the e-Travel Customs System, along with the utilization of the Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration Form in nine international airports nationwide in the first quarter.
These measures expedited current customs procedures that consequently elevated transacting travelers’ experience, it said.
