Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has initiated an investigation into several of its personnel allegedly involved in ‘syndicate-style’ operations that circumvented shipment inspections, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno informed senators on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian raised concerns about reports of BOC employees manipulating vehicle inspection results to facilitate the release of imported cars. Gatchalian described the operations as being run by an internal syndicate and questioned whether those responsible had been identified and faced consequences.
Nepomuceno confirmed that show cause orders have been issued to over ten personnel who are now subject to an internal investigation. “We already issued show cause orders to those involved, and we already submitted this to the ICI to break this practice,” he stated, referencing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which is also probing a flood control scam. Some personnel have been relieved from their positions, while others remain under review as part of due process.
Nepomuceno emphasized the necessity for full digitalization to prevent future issues. He noted that the bureau’s current Electronic-to-Mobile (E2M) system lacks the capability to trace which employee performs each transaction, making it challenging to ensure accountability and transparency.
Committee chairperson Senator Pia Cayetano expressed her support for the bureau’s modernization efforts, highlighting the importance of digitalization in enhancing transparency and accountability. Nepomuceno further confirmed that the Senate Committee of Finance has pledged funding for the digitalization initiative, which also has the full backing of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The investigation comes on the heels of a BOC report revealing that many luxury cars seized from contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya lacked records of paid duties and taxes. The bureau is now examining how some vehicles were released and registered with the Land Transportation Office despite missing import documentation.
Nepomuceno assured senators that reforms are being implemented to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
