NEWLY installed Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez’s action plan seems like a tall order but he says he is up to the challenge.
Alvarez said he will question the status quo at the bureau — perceived as one of the most corrupt agencies in government – and introduce numerous changes, some of which will be borrowed from the private sector.
His action plan includes prosecuting two big-time smugglers each week; zero tolerance against corruption; plugging revenue loopholes; promoting transparency and trade facilitation through further automation; implementing international best practices under the Revised Kyoto Convention; strengthening the post-entry audit system so the bureau can go after more tax evaders; and introducing promotion policies patterned after the private sector.
“We are doing these to send a strong signal that the new administration really means business,” Alvarez said during last week’s turnover ceremonies led by his predecessor, Napoleon Morales.
“There are some measures that will take a while to accomplish and it’s a given. One thing I can assure you is that the quality of governance under my administration will be a lot better. We are all expecting changes and we can do it if we work together.”
In the meantime, Alvarez is asking all port stakeholders to pay the correct duties and taxes so the agency can achieve its revenue goals.
In the first six months of the year, the BOC collected P131.19 billion, 5% more than its target of P124.05 billion or a surplus of about P7.14 billion.
For the entire year, the agency’s target of P275.68 billion will be increased by P5 billion.
