To address concerns over electronic waste entering Port of Subic, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has called for a meeting with various government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a statement on Saturday, June 27, the BOC said the meeting follows public calls from environmental protection groups for prompt government action regarding these shipments.

According to the BOC, “the meeting is intended to bring all involved parties together to better understand the situation, clarify the roles and responsibilities of each agency, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and identify practical and lawful solutions moving forward.”

Aside from the DENR, the BOC has invited a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as well as international and local environmental organizations such as the Basel Action Network and the Ecowaste Coalition.

This interagency coordination is taking place against a backdrop of complex legal challenges.

According to the BOC, “the alleged e-waste shipments remain the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings and are currently under appeal before the appropriate court through the OSG.”

This pending litigation restricts the BOC from discussing specific details of the case.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said that the legal status of the shipments makes communication among agencies even more critical.

“While the case remains under judicial review, it is important for all concerned agencies and stakeholders to come together to gain a clearer understanding of the issue, their respective roles, and the laws and regulations that must be followed,” Nepomuceno said, adding that the meeting would help ensure that “all actions are coordinated and carried out in compliance with the law.”

Despite the ongoing dispute, the BOC maintained that day-to-day operations at the terminal remain unaffected.

“Customs operations at the Port of Subic continue,” the BOC said, adding that “existing procedures remain in place, and coordination with other agencies is ongoing to support environmental and regulatory safeguards.” - Derco Rosal