The Bureau of Customs (BOC) expects President Benigno Aquino III to sign into law the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) by yearend. Around the same time, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act will also be approved.
Customs commissioner Alberto Lina is confident both will happen before the year is over, according to BOC Assessment and Operations deputy commissioner Atty. Agaton Teodoro Uvero in a press conference in Davao City on November 6.
The Lower House has approved the CMTA on final reading; the measure awaits second and third reading at the Senate.
Uvero said many senators are pushing for the passage of CMTA as it is seen to modernize BOC through full automation of operations. The measure also ensures the country’s compliance with the Revised Kyoto Convention; updates tariff and customs law to keep up with modern business and trade practices; and reduces the cost of doing business to encourage more trade investments.
CMTA is a priority measure under the 16th Congress and is widely supported by the private and public sectors. Senate president Franklin Drilon earlier said the measure’s passage will be pushed once congressional sessions resume on November 3.
Meanwhile, the draft IRR for Republic Act. No 10668, or “An Act Allowing Foreign Vessels to Transport and Co-load Foreign Cargoes for Domestic Transshipment and for Other Purposes”, is in its final stages, according to Uvero. He said concerned government agencies have been holding weekly meetings to finalize the draft IRR.
The law is seen to eliminate shippers’ costs usually incurred when domestic transshipment of import and export cargoes is performed by domestic carriers. These costs include hauling fees for transporting goods from the Manila International Container Terminal or Manila South Harbor to Manila North Harbor, cargo handling charges paid by importer-manufacturers to discharge and loading ports, and underguarding fees collected by BOC. – Roumina Pablo
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