P3.245M worth of unmarked fuel seized in Bicol

The Bureau of Customs said Tuesday that in cooperation with Société Générale de Surveillance Philippines, the BoC Legazpi’s Enforcement and Security Service successfully identified two gas stations in the Bicol Region that were selling unmarked fuel illegally during a series of operations conducted under the Fuel Marking Program (FMP).

The estimated total amount of assets seized by the authorities was P3.245 million, which included 30,891.5 liters of gasoline and diesel valued at P1.745 million and a fuel truck valued at P1.5 million.

According to the BoC Legazpi, the seizures were carried out in violation of Section 7 of DoF-BoC-BIR Joint Circular 001.2021 and Sections 1113 (a) and (k) of RA 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“We remain committed to upholding the law and guaranteeing compliance in the gasoline industry, as evidenced by the recent operations in the Bicol Region. We demonstrate our proactive approach to combating illicit gasoline sales and tax avoidance by identifying and seizing non-compliant fuel. We strongly advise all fuel station operators to closely follow regulatory standards in order to prevent serious repercussions,” said District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV.

“The Bureau of Customs’ continuous efforts to protect government revenues and guarantee fair competition among compliant businesses are exemplified by the crackdown on illegal fuel sales,” Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stated.

In order to prevent fuel smuggling, the BoC randomly tests retail stations and tank trucks to ensure that fuel sold to the general public is compliant with the Fuel Marking Program. Failure to pass testing is a sign of tax evasion or smuggling. This project backs President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s demand for more stringent enforcement and fiscal restraint in order to promote inclusive and sustainable initiatives for Filipinos.