Clark and Subic Freeport zone locators want the new Philippine Customs commissioner to retain underguarding and use of the General Transportation Surety Bond (GTSB) as alternative to the proposed Customs Electronic Global Positioning System Equipped Barrier Seal (CEGBS).
Locators said a new window in the imposition of the CEGBS has opened with the impending takeover of a new Customs commissioner by middle of the month.
Incumbent chief Angelito Alvarez is being replaced for his failure to stem smuggling.
According to Clark CEGBS consultant Roberto Domondon, many locators have no issue with the GPS-enabled tracking system but they also want an alternative.
“As far as Subic and Clark are concerned, the main issue to be resolved is whether locators will be given a choice of GPS, GTSB or underguarding,” Domondon told PortCalls.
“The other hurdle is the cost. But we are optimistic that the incoming commissioner will study the merit of our position.”
Under Alvarez, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was keen on imposing the CEGBS at the start of the month. The plan was to charge P700 per container for cargoes transported within 20 kilometers from Manila ports; P1,500 per container for those going beyond EDSA; and P2,200 per container for those passing through both the North and South Luzon Expressways.
The CEGBS is designed to alert the Philippine National Police when there is unauthorized opening of container doors.
Until recently, it was believed that Société Generale de Surveillance will be the GPS service provider for the project.
Customs Administrative Order 4-2010 requires cargo owners to equip their cargo with an electronic GPS-equip barrier seal to allow the BOC to track and monitor cargoes from any Customs territory to its destination.
Photo by ewen and donabel
