BOC taps civic groups in fight vs corruption, smuggling

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has tapped several civic organizations in monitoring corruption and smuggling in the agency.

Alvin Ebreo, executive director of the bureau’s action team against smugglers (BATAS) and chief of BOC’s legal division, signed a memorandum of agreement with the Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc. (KSMBP) for the program.

Ebreo said the MOA he recently inked with KSMBP chairman Michael Aragon was the first of many other agreements the BOC would be signing with other civic organizations and media groups in the coming months.

“What is important with this memorandum is the information sharing.  The KSMBP will be our watchdog in monitoring the activities of BATAS. We will invite its members to witness and check our performance, and ensure we are implementing a strong campaign against corruption and smuggling in the bureau,” Ebreo said.

Under the agreement, the BATAS will provide KSMBP with documents and information related to importation and trade facilitation, provided that these conform with the policies of the Data Privacy Act.

The KSMBP will be allowed to observe the activities and performance of BATAS such as border security, procurement activities, inspection of goods and public hearings.

The KSMBP will analyze the documents and information provided to them by the BOC.

A group of broadcasters can provide other assistance such as communication, public relations, production of paraphernalia and education or information dissemination in accordance with the law, Ebreo said.