The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) reiterated its desire to fully computerize its operations before President Benigno Aquino III steps down from office in 2016.
In a recent visit to the newly refurbished 4,000 square-meter Manila Gateway of DHL Express Philippines, Customs commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon said, “Making BOC more technology driven is the way to go for the agency and this is in line with BOC’s vision to fully automate the customs operations by 2016.
“We are now in the process of upgrading our system and it has to be responsive to the needs of our stakeholders. If automated pre-clearance is in demand, then this is the direction that we will work towards. It is our commitment to enhance customs processing efficiency by making it more reliable, transparent and predictable.”
BOC is replacing the electronic-to-mobile system with the P550-million Integrated Philippine Customs System, which will eliminate all manual work-around at the bureau.
The agency is also lobbying for the passage of the Customs Tariff Modernization Act, pending before Congress since the Arroyo administration. “The passing of the Customs Modernization and Tariffs Act by the House will also further hasten the agency’s goal towards achieving automation,” Biazon said.
Yasmin Aladad Khan, Senior Vice President, DHL Express Southeast Asia, said: “DHL has always been supportive of the government’s efforts in enhancing the operational efficiency of the air express industry in Philippines. This is especially timely for Philippines as the region prepares itself for the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015. A more efficient customs process will help to boost the country’s overall competitiveness, bringing greater opportunities for local businesses.”
Nurhayati Abdullah, Country Manager, DHL Express Philippines added, “We applaud the agency’s efforts to modernize the customs administration. This is definitely a very important step taken as a more transparent, reliable and efficient customs procedure bodes well not just with industry players, local companies but also foreign investors. As a leader in the international express industry, speed and reliability are two service qualities that DHL pride ourselves with. Leveraging on global expertise and knowledge, we will continue to work closely with the BOC, providing inputs that will help set international standards in customs operations in the country.”
Photo from www.dhl.com.ph/en/country_profile/office_express.html
