New CCBI officials urged: Comply with customs laws

CEBU, Philippines —  The district collector of the Bureau of Customs in Cebu has appealed to the newly-elected officials of Cebu Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. (CCBI) Cebu Chapter to ensure compliance of customs laws.

“By ensuring compliance to our customs regulations, you as brokers ensure that your clients are reducing their by avoiding delays and persecution and at the same time contributing to the pandemic response of the government,” said BOC-Port of Cebu district collector Atty. Charlito Martin.

Mendoza said the brokers are the primary go-between of importers to transact business with the government.

“Therefore, you have the duty to our importers, your clients. Our importers rely on your technical expertise and services to foremost, not to get them into trouble with the Bureau of Customs,” he said.

Mendoza added that in order for the importers to comply with the rules such as the obligation to pay customs taxes and duties for them to proceed with their business, customs brokers must be abreast of the latest taxation, customs rules and regulations.

“I acknowledge your organization and each of its members for the cooperation, compliance and commitment to service which all of us in our sector navigate the difficulties of this pandemic,” said Mendoza as he urged the chamber members to continue to work together as both the organization and the bureau are working toward the same goal of reopening the economy amid the health crisis.

Ronald P. Grancho, CCBI’s new president, said the thrust of the current leadership is to foster camaraderie and harmony among the chamber officers and members.

“I want every incumbent officer of CCBI-Cebu to have a clear understanding that the primary purpose of leading the organization is to serve and nothing else. Make your other motives only secondary to service,” Grancho said in his speech.

Along with Grancho, the other officers who took their oath before Mendoza were Charmine C. Garcia, Executive Vice President; Harly Kenn O. Villasor, Vice President for Internal; Geraldine S. Secuya, Vice President for External; Erwin C. Andaya, Vice President for Professional Development; Alfredo B. Regidor Jr., Vice President for Government Affairs; Sanchie Kyra M. Nudnud, Secretary; Beverly A. Cabelino, Treasurer; Dandel I. Magto, Auditor; and Vic C. Alburo, Press Relations Officer.

The the members of the Board of Directors are Junnic Presley A. Carin, Resty Polo E. Lope, Maria Lourdes Y. Mercader, Juliever G. Colcol, and Maidee C. Sano.

Grancho said that as proactive partners of the national government in revenue generation, CCBI-Cebu will always emphasize interchange of ideas on how to improve services to their clienteles – the importers – without sacrificing fair play and unanimity.

Grancho also vowed to make his administration an active partner of the Port of Cebu and the Subport of Mactan in efforts for good governance.

“As we take out oath to serve with utmost responsibility and dedication, and with good faith, let’s not forget our bounden duty to assist the Bureau of Customs in its revenue collection efforts and campaign against smuggling,” Grancho added.

Grancho urged his colleagues to support the programs and policies of the BOC central office, especially on its effort to meet the revenue target set by the Department of Finance. — FPL (FREEMAN)