BOC to get P12M from sale of 'Philippine Dream'

CEBU, Philippines -     The Bureau of Customs will soon be receiving the P12 million as payment for demurrage fees and customs taxes and duties out of the proceeds of the sale of Philippine Dream, that has reportedly escaped or released from Customs’ custody few years ago sans payment of taxes.

Ahmed Erpe, BOC deputy collector for operations, said it will be the Bureau of Internal Revenue, which shall give the payment to BOC considering that the said vessel has also payments to be made to the BIR.

Erpe said the payment would form part as additional income for BOC for the month of February.

The said floating hotel-casino reportedly went missing leaving unpaid taxes to both government agencies that resulted to the suspension of seven Customs officials who were tasked to guard the ship that was moored at Cebu Yacht Club in Lapu-Lapu City.

Just recently, the BOC earned an additional P12.4 million income out of the auction of the smuggled rice that was awarded to the winning bidder from the town of Consolacion. The illegal shipment was seized in December. — (FREEMAN)