FILE PHOTO. (Courtesy of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority)
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Freeport’s largest group of truck importers refuted on Monday the allegations of extortion after some brokers and port users claimed that they are being subjected to the practice.
The Subic Bay Truck Importers Association Inc. said the accusations were “malicious” and “false,” noting that the group’s members have been adhering to policies and procedures imposed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
The association issued a statement to dismiss the extortion and bribery claims after some brokers and port users met with SBMA Chair and Administrator Jonathan Tan recently, supposedly to seek protection.
Tan, responding to the concerns raised by the brokers, said he would investigate the matter.
But Pietro Geroue, president of the truck importers, said their members were paying duties and taxes to the government, and that they were strongly supporting the SBMA management and its seaport department to fight corruption in the free port. INQ