MANILA -- Customs officials held a Japanese national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for failing to declare that he was carrying 53-million Japanese Yen, equivalent to about P21-million, upon his arrival in Manila from Tokyo, Japan late Tuesday night.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said that Yoshiaki Takahashi, 50, a businessman residing in Chiba, Japan, who frequently travels to the Philippines, arrived in Manila via Japan Airlines flight JL 745 from Tokyo/Narita at past 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
Customs examiners found the cash inside a paper bag inside his luggage upon routine inspection.
Takahashi faces charges of violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines for failing to declare the cash and unlawful importation of foreign currency and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 698, which sets rules and requirements for declaration of cash worth over P10,000 or 10,000 in other currencies upon departing or arriving the Philippines.
Customs authorities filed the complaint before the Pasay Prosecutors Office on Wednesday.
When interviewed, Takahashi said that he has traveled to the Philippines more than 20 times before but was not aware of the rules governing the carrying of foreign currency. (SDR/Sunnex)