BOC says it resolved 370 cases involving anomalies in 2020

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through its Legal Service, resolved 370 cases filed in 2020 and up to Jan. 8, 2021, against erring importers, brokers, and employees, according to a statement it issued on Wednesday.

In the same period, 127 cases were filed by the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) against erring importers and customs brokers for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other pertinent laws.

Of the total number, 75 were criminal cases against various importers that were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 52 were administrative cases filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC).

Further, a total of 48 disciplinary administrative cases were filed against erring customs employees from 2019 to 2020 — of which 18 were transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman. Last year, 11 cases were resolved, 17 are for resolution, and 11 cases are under formal investigation.

The BOC, under Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, remains committed to enforcing customs laws as the agency embarks on further strengthening its border security efforts for 2021.

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