Sunday, March 23, 2008 Hold customs accountable for hot vehicles: lawmaker
IF THE government is serious in its effort to stop vehicle smuggling, it should stop it right at the Bureau of Customs, instead of zeroing in on the registration process, said Rep. Pablo John Garcia.
Running after second, third and other owners of tax-deficient vehicles is unfair because they are buyers in good faith. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) should instead go after the assessor.
There would be no undervaluation at the BOC if its personnel do not allow it or refrain from doing it themselves, the congressman added.
After Assistant Secretary Alberto Suansing, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief, assured the House committee on good government that those involved in the registration of questionable vehicles will be punished, the committee’s focus in next month’s hearing will be on how to amend the customs laws.
“I think, if we are going to curb smuggling, let’s not focus on the LTO but on customs,” said Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd district).
The congressman said he was not convinced by the explanation of Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales, because even with the so-called Valuation Review and Inspection System (VRIS), luxury vehicles still manage to slip past customs, like the Ferrari now owned by TV host Willy Revillame.
“I think if we are going to change the law (Tariff and Customs Code) or propose amendments, we should make the person who assessed the shipments principally liable for any deficiency in customs duties,” Garcia said.
Any “disincentives” inserted in the amendment of the law will prevent customs personnel from tolerating importers who misdeclare or undervalue shipments, he added. (EOB)
