APRIL 14, 2013

NR # 3073

Proposed BOC abolition & replacement to undergo congressional scrutiny

The Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means today said the abolition of the Bureau of Customs and its replacement with a professional institution run by private officials and employees is a good proposal to address the corruption problem at the BOC, but stressed it will still need the nod of Congress. It is a good proposal but must still undergo scrutiny through the legislative process, said Rep. Isidro Ungab (3rd District, Davao City). Ungab stressed the role of Congress following the disclosure of Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon that the BOC official himself has proposed the BOC abolition to get rid of all the corrupt officials and employees in the agency. Ungab said he himself supports the anti-corruption campaign at the BOC and the modernization of the agency. I will support whatever organizational structure is best to create a culture of Matuwid na landas and modernization of the BOC, Ungab said. He said the government has to be realistic now with the advent of free trade and tariff incentives. WTO and AFTA must be taken seriously into consideration as well as the utilization of modern electronic technology. The lawmaker said computerization must be fast tracked since this is the recurring question every BOC budget hearing. I agree that lesser interaction with the importer and customs officials also decreases the probability of corruption, said Ungab. Earlier, Biazon said he had initial talks with President Aquino about the ultimate solution to smuggling and corruption in the BOC. Biazon said corruption is deeply embedded in the BOCs culture and system so dismissing a few people or catching some smugglers will not totally eradicate the corruption problem. He said the solution is to completely automate the system that will stop direct dealings between customs employees and importers. Under the proposal being mulled by the Aquino administration, Biazon said the private institution that will replace the BOC will retain 3 percent of its tax and duty collections to fund its operations and be self-sustaining. (30) rbb