THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has streamlined its alert and hold order policy in a bid to curb corruption within the agency.
Now alert and hold orders on shipments that are suspected to be undervalued or misdeclared can only be issued by four offices — the Office of the Commissioner, the district collector of the major ports, deputy commissioner for the Intelligence Group and deputy commissioner for Enforcement Group.
Enforcement and Security Service director Nestorio Gualberto said the measure is aimed at reducing red tape and corruption among BOC personnel transacting directly with shippers.
“Before, almost all agencies in BOC could issue an alert order. Even I can issue an alert order if I received a report of suspected smuggled shipments,” Gualberto said.
Newly installed Customs commissioner Angelito Alvarez earlier said he will introduce new measures at the bureau aimed at curbing corruption and boosting efficiency.
His action plan includes regular prosecution of big-time smugglers; 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.
Last month, BOC began ridding its ranks of “hao shao” (unauthorized) personnel.
