Group of customs brokers stages protest in Manila
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) met with importers and exporters this morning to orient them on the basic customs procedures, rules and regulations.
As stated in the invitation, the seminar aimed at familiarizing the importers and exporters on the process related to getting customs clearances so they will no longer have to avail the sevices of the customs brokers.
In relation to this, a group of licensed customs brokers staged a protest to oppose BOC’s plan to disregard their profession.
“The brokers help the government to be able to collect the right duties and taxes,” said customs broker Abraham Rebao.
“If the licensed customs brokers are disregarded, conivance between the logistics firm and the importer and exporter will come in. They can now declare what they only want to be declared because there will no longer be a check and balance mechanism,” Rebao added.
They also refutted the allegations that brokers are conduits of smugglers.
“The broker cannot pre-empt the content of the container. Only the shipper and the importer has the knowledge of the content of the container,” argued Val Ramirez, customs broker.
In a statement, the bureau says they are not eliminating the brokers.
However, the new Customs Modernization and Tariff Act makes their services optional for importers and exporters because they can already directly transact with the agency.
BOC further states that this measure may reduce the cost of bringing in products to the country that could benefit the consumers.
Meanwhile, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon is willing to meet with the brokers to discuss the matter. — Victor Cosare / UNTV News & Rescue
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