By Ariel Fernandez
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) continues to support investigations being undertaken by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) as it remains committed in putting policy reforms in order to address the problem of corruption in the agency.
Bureau of Customs (MANILA BULLETIN)
One proof of its commitment to combat corruption is the issuance of at least 119 show-cause orders against customs personnel and officers since late last year.
Furthermore, 23 administrative and 25 criminal complaints were filed against errant customs personnel under the present administration.
This year, several customs personnel were dismissed from the service, including a Port of Manila (POM) customs guard which stemmed from a complaint received through text hotline 8484.
The hotline was established in August 2019 to help the BOC get rid of corrupt practices from among its ranks.
A “No-Contact Policy” is also being implemented in the Accounts Management Office (AMO) through the Customer Care Portal System (CCPS). The CCPS, which was introduced on June 17, 2019, is a web-based application designed to combat red tape and promote transparency and efficiency in the delivery of customs services.
Through this system, importers and customs brokers may apply online for accreditation with BOC without face-to-face transactions with customs personnel.
As of today, an estimated 17,500 importers and 2,200 customs brokers are actively transacting with BOC.
Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, the BOC spokesman, said the BOC is now working closely with the PACC, with documents already provided to the anti-corruption body for evaluation and investigation.
This cooperation with the PACC is part of our continuous campaign against corruption, one of the priorities that Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero has been emphasizing since his assumption as Customs chief.