Lina: CMTA needs meticulous review

CEBU, Philippines - The drafting of the implementing rules and regulations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) may take some time to finish, according to former Bureau of Customs commissioner Alberto Lina.

In a recent interview, Lina said the making of the IRR will have to undergo a review and enhancement.

"It needs discussion and public consultations," Lina noted.

For instance, the former customs official cited that the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act took several months of discussions and consultations.

'Participate'

Lina urged stakeholders to take time in reading the law and to participate in the ongoing forum and consultations for the drafting of CMTA's IRR.

"As logistics practitioners and responsible citizen, we must share our experience and expertise in order to craft a comprehensive logistics masterplan that will enhance our globally competitiveness," he recently told members of the Aircargo Forwarders Philippines Inc.-Cebu.

Earlier reports quoted Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III as saying that the Department of Finance, where BOC is an attached agency, needs more time for the CMTA IRR drafting. 

The 200-page Republic Act 10863 was signed by former President Benigno A. Aquino III in May this year.

Reforms

The CMTA aims to reform customs and port procedures.

Under the law, several reforms will be implemented in the BOC, including the streamlining of export and import procedures, full electronic processing of shipments, simplifying of processes for seizure and disposition of illegal goods and imposing of stricter penalties on smuggling and related offenses.

In general, the CMTA will simplify, modernize and align the country's customs procedures with the global practices as espoused by member economies of the World Customs Organization.

It will streamline operations at the agency described by President Rodrigo Duterte as one of the most corrupt.

Aside from BOC, Duterte had also vowed to address corruption issues in the BIR, the state's main revenue source, and other key agencies.

BOC is one of the government's main revenue-generating agencies.  (FREEMAN)