Saturday, September 13, 2008 House to hear amendments to customs law
CONGRESS will soon start deliberating on the bills seeking amendments to the Tariff and Customs Code to stamp out smuggling.
Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd district) said the discussion to amend the code will include addressing loopholes that have allowed big-time smugglers to remain free.
One proposed amendment seeks to penalize both the smugglers who use dummies and the people who allow their names to be used as consignees of illegal shipments.
Another proposed provision is the standardization of the customs broker’s fee. Legitimate importers have complained that some brokers collect unreasonable and exorbitant fees.
Several importers have said that some brokers forced them to pay a huge amount because they have to give bribes to customs personnel and officials. In some cases, however, after the release of the shipment, the brokers just pocket the money.
Garcia said there must be a uniform rate for the broker’s fee. Any customs brokers who will violate it will be prosecuted by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).
Garcia said he will also introduce amendments to punish customs brokers who will not divulge the real identity of a client in case a shipment is placed under investigation.
Hearing
During the hearing by the House committee on good government on the allegedly rampant vehicle smuggling in Cebu, Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said most of the customs brokers refused to cooperate in anti-smuggling investigations, saying they are hired by persons they don’t know.
“Customs authorities must strengthen the system of accrediting importers and brokers. Those who are not accredited must not be allowed to transact business with the Bureau of Customs,” Garcia said.
Rep. Antonio Cuenco (Cebu City, South) who caused the congressional investigation on the alleged vehicle smuggling in Cebu, said he will provide inputs on the proposed amendments, based on their inquiry’s results.
The committee chaired by Rep. Pedro Romualdo conducted the inquiry from Dec. 10, 2007 to May 5, 2008. (EOB)
