The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has reported about 75 % of the criminal complaints involve agri products smuggled to the country during the first quarter of 2023. Of these, the BOC has filed 65 criminal complaints with the Department of Justice from January to March 2023. Of the 65 complaints, 49 were involved in the smuggling of agricultural commodities.
Agricultural goods smuggling affects the locally produced food items such as onion, garlic, potato, raddish, fruits, veggies, meat and meat products etc. , being unable to compete with illegally imported ones in terms of pricing
The BOC has committed to safeguard the Philippines borders, protect local industries from harmful effects, and combat smuggling in collaboration other government agencies. Its mandate is to deliver financial resources to the governments programs and projects as the second largest revenue-generating agency.
MY COMMENT:
The BOC alone cannot stop smuggling of items – combatting the illegal importation of any item is a big blow to the government’s desire to deliver all forms of services. The BOC needs the support of other agencies with police and/or military mandates plus the assistance and vigilance (24/7) of the general public, the community. Otherwise, the government will continue to be deprived of billions of pesos in unpaid taxes – needed to manage the government.
ooo000ooo
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