THE Port of Subic of the Bureau of Customs has released its data on its anti-smuggling accomplishments to counter allegations that it has become a ‘smugglers’ haven’ particularly for the smuggling of agricultural products.
The data released by the office of District Collector Maritess Martin showed that since 2018, more than P2.1 billion worth of smuggled goods have been seized at the port.
Of the amount, about 50 percent, or P1.024 billion, consisted of assorted agricultural products such as onions and carrots, among others.
The data also showed that 2022, can be considered as a “banner year” for the port’s anti-smuggling drive after it apprehended more than P529 million worth of smuggled goods, an increase of more than P139 million from its total haul of more than P391 million in 2021.
The Port of Subic has also been cited by the Japan Tobacco Group in 2020 thru its local subsidiary, JT International Philippines (JTI) for its unrelenting campaign against “illicit trade” involving tobacco products.
Port records showed that the apprehension of illicit cigarettes was its second biggest accomplishments in its anti-smuggling campaign next to agricultural products after seizing more than P925 million worth of cigarettes.
2020 was also the same year the port of Subic was likewise commended by the BOC for being the first among the bureau’s 17 collection districts to hit its annual target as early as November, or one full month ahead of the closing fiscal year after collecting more than P25.83 billion that month from its annual target of P25.3 billion (see also Pinoy Exposé, December 14, 2020).
On the other hand, P100 million worth of sugar and more than P112 million worth of other smuggled goods were also apprehended at the port to close its total haul to more than P2.1 billion.
Since Martin also assumed the top BOC post at Subic, it has been consistent in surpassing its annual assigned target; last year, the Port of Subic registered a surplus collection of P7.1 billion after registering a total collection of P48.73 billion, from its assigned target of P41.58 billion.
The port’s consistent surpassing of its assigned target, according to Martin, should also debunked allegations that the smuggling of oil products is also rampant as the bulk of their revenue collection comes from oil products.
“As everyone knows, there is a correlation between smuggling and the collection of government revenue.
“The more rampant the smuggling, the lesser taxes the government collects. In the case of Subic, our hefty tax collection, and the amount of smuggled goods we have apprehended should be enough evidence that the allegations against our port are without basis. Our accomplishments can speak for themselves,” Martin said.