Customs exceeds June target by P1.8 billion

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the impacts of COVID-19 on trade, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has surpassed its collection target for June 2020 by 4.4 percent or P1.8 billion.

The bureau, in a statement, said it collected P42.539 billion in customs taxes and duties, exceeding the June target of P40.739 billion.

Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero attributed the increase to the dedication and hardwork of BOC personnel despite the health crisis.

“Despite the risk to their health and safety, they showed their unwavering commitment and dedication to service,” he said.

Part and parcel of the said collection was contributed by BOC-Cebu.

BOC-Cebu also hit its collection target for the month of June.

It collected a total revenue of P2.54 billion, exceeding the target by P455.7 million or 21.83 percent.

Based on the preliminary report from the BOC-Financial Service, 11 of the seventeen collection districts were able to hit their respective targets.

They include the Port of San Fernando La Union, Port of Legaspi, Port of Cebu, Port of Tacloban, Port of Cagayan De Oro, Port of Zamboanga, Port of Davao, Port of Subic, Port of Clark, Port of Aparri, and Port of Limay.

 “The BOC’s positive revenue collection performance is the result of intensified collective effort of all ports and the gradually improving volume of importation," the bureau statement read.

It added that it can also be attributed to the government’s effort in ensuring unhampered movement of goods domestically and internationally considering the pandemic situation.

Moreover, the bureau maintains its enhanced control measures against undervaluation, misdeclaration and other forms of technical smuggling to protect the borders and collect lawful revenues.  KQD (FREEMAN)