Published January 28, 2021, 12:49 PM
Three importers of used clothing or “ukay-ukay” and kitchen wares are now facing smuggling charges for misdeclaring their shipments that arrived in the country last year.
Through the Customs Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS), criminal cases were filed against the importers before the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Jan. 18 and 22.
Bureau of Customs (MANILA BULLETIN)
Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the latest complaints had brought to 112 the cases filed before DoJ against importers and Customs brokers under his term.
According to the bureau, Akiza One Six Eight Eight Eight Trading was charged for alleged unlawful importation and misdeclaration of 100 sacks of used clothing, 450 sacks and 150 cartons of mixed fabrics and swatches.
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(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
A total of 127 cases were filed by the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) over violations of RA 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other pertinent laws from 2020 to January 8 this year.
Of these, 75 criminal cases were filed against various importers before the Department of Justice while 52 administrative cases were filed against customs brokers before the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC).
Further, a total of 48 disciplinary administrative cases were also filed against erring Customs employees from 2019 to 2020, 18 of which were transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
For 2020, 11 cases were resolved, 17 are for resolution, and 11 cases are under formal investigation.