As of end-November the Bureau of Customs (BOC) district port of Tacloban has collected more than P1 billion this year, for the first time joining the ranks of ports earning billions.
“As of November 29, 2018, the District Port has a total revenue collection of P1.006 billion, which posted (a) 213% collection growth from our P321-million target for this year,” acting district collector Jose A. Naig said in a statement. He attributed the achievement to increased volume of cargoes at the Port of Tacloban, Babatngon Port and the sub-ports of Isabel and Catbalogan.
The port was initially assigned a P267-million tax collection target for fiscal year 2018, but this was increased by P34 million last August.
Naig noted that even by the end of the second quarter, Tacloban port already surpassed its target collection this year after collecting a total of P392 million.
“The strict implementation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), and intensified operations against customs fraud of the Collection District 8 has resulted to a record-breaking accomplishment,” Naig explained.
“This was also made possible through the assistance of our acting deputy district collector Diogenes A. Cenita, sub-port collectors Avelino C. Alberca and Lourdita M. Tupa of Catbalogan and Isabel respectively; as well as the utmost cooperation of all division chiefs and employees through the guidance of our then Commissioner Isidro Lapeña and now Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.”
Naig earlier said Tacloban port’s higher revenue collection was also due to increased excise tax on several commodities, especially on fuel and cement products, under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.
Port of Tacloban caters to imports of gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and cement.
