BOC debunks reports of filing suspension cases against importers
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has debunked reports that it filed cases against a cigarette manufacturing giant and other 101 importers.
“That is a hoax,” BOC spokesperson Col. Neil Anthony Estrella said in a text message when the news started circulating last week.
Estrella, however, confirmed that the bureau is still on the process of reviewing the cases of the importers.
He reaffirmed that the BOC did not release any statement reporting that cases have already been filed against the importers.
Earlier, there were reports that BOC will file a temporary suspension of the accreditation of 101 importers and brokers due to questionable shipments; and that Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon on February 14 ordered companies, including Mighty Corporation to provide proof that their alleged misdeclarations were unintentional.
“But BOC, however, does not discount the possibility of filing a case and suspension of accreditation (of any company) if warranted by evidence that will be uncovered during our probe,” Estrella said.
BOC earlier announced that it is now probing erring importers of oil, luxury vehicles, and cigarette. However, “it is still on its extensive investigation to firmly establish air-tight legal actions against them.”
Moreover, Estrella disclosed that BOC has just suspended six out of the 101 importers transacting at BOC’s two major ports – Port of Manila (POM) and Manila International Container Port (MICP).
According to a February 14 report from Account Management Office (AMO) head lawyer Mary Grace Malabed, six consignees have been identified as part of the first batch of suspended importers.
These were the Holdhigh Trading located at Room 527-A FEMII Building, A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila (MICP); Coco Corporation Technologies with office address at Lower Gapo, Camalig, Albay (POM); Manhattan Chemical Corporation with office address at KM 47.5, 99 Aguinaldo Highway, Lalaan 1, Silang, Cavite (POM); Trikis Enterprises with office address at Yu Chio Seng Building, Lopez Jaena Street, Mandaue, Cebu (MICP); Harbinger International Trading with office address at Room 403, TEOFF Centre Building, 355 Escolta Street cor. T. Pinpin, San Vicente Street, Brgy 291, Zone 27, Manila (POM); and Richco Marketing with office address at Room 437, Champ Building, Anda Circle, Brgy 650, Zone 068, Port Area, Manila (POM).
Malabed said that recommendations for the suspension of remaining alleged erring importers are still pending for approval by BOC’s Legal Division.
Estrella further said these importers were suspended for violating customs laws, rules, and regulations on importation such as misdeclaration, failure to declare shipment, and failure to submit necessary import permits from regulating government agencies.