The Bureau of Customs and Department of Agriculture officials' discussion with the warehouse owner on 18 December included other notable participants, such as Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Representatives Janette Garin, Mark Enverga, Horacio Suansing Jr., and Erwin Tulfo, as well as Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., who represented House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs
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In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Customs (BoC) recently inspected nine warehouses in Bocaue and Balagtas, Bulacan, which reportedly contained an estimated P661 million worth of suspected smuggled rice.
The operation, conducted last Monday, 16 December, was launched after the BoC received reports that the warehouses were storing imported rice without documentation proving that appropriate taxes and fees had been paid.
A composite team conducted the inspections with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and barangay officials. The team included members of the Manila International Container Port-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, the Enforcement and Security Service, and the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement. About were discovered during the operation.
On Wednesday, officials held a dialogue with the warehouse owners to ensure fairness and due process. Members of the House of Representatives attended the session, which was led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio. The meeting allowed warehouse owners to defend their case and present documents proving the legality of their operations.
Rubio said during the dialogue that the bureau’s authority to inspect locations suspected of housing illegal goods is based on Letters of Authority issued under Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The letters allow customs officials to demand proof of payment for duties and taxes on imported items stored or sold.
With the DA’s assistance, the BoC allowed warehouse owners to continue operations under close supervision to minimize the potential impact on rice supply and prices. Officials said this approach ensures Filipinos have access to rice, particularly during the holiday season.
Rep. Erwin Tulfo urged warehouse owners to support efforts to address rising rice prices in local markets.
The warehouse owners were given 15 days to submit proof of correct duty and tax payments. The BoC said it would take appropriate action if they fail to comply.
The crackdown follows an earlier operation in which P178 million worth of frozen mackerel was confiscated and later donated.
