
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) collected P55.744 billion in August 2019, 7.2% more than the P52.012 billion earned in the same period last year, preliminary data from the agency showed. The latest figure is, however, 4.2% less than the P58.187-billion target.
For January to August 2019, collection reached P413.399 billion, up 7.8% from the P383.544 billion in the same period in 2018.
BOC is tasked to collect P677 billion in 2019, a figure Customs commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero earlier said was doable with strict implementation of customs rules; correct valuation/assessment of commodities and taxes due; streamlining of processes and enhancement of computer systems to facilitate trade and eliminate opportunities for corruption; daily monitoring and close supervision of collection; and strict enforcement of border control measures to eradicate smuggling and boost revenue collection.