BOC’s anti-smuggling drive scores first win

MANILA, Philippines–The Bureau of Customs’ Run After The Smugglers has secured a first conviction when the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) convicted a trader who misdeclared his vehicle shipment as replacement parts.

RATS has filed over 20 complaints with the Department of Justice.

In a decision dated Dec. 12 but released to the public Tuesday, the Tax Court convicted Roell Paquit Sayson, guilty of violation of Section 3601, in relation to Section 2530, paragraphs f, l (3), (4) and (5) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

The accused was meted a penalty of not less than eight years and one day, to 12 years imprisonment, and to pay a fine of P 8,000.00.

Sayson’s estimated taxes and duties due to the government is P1,779,770.61.

O Feb. 7, 2008, the Customs Bureau discovered that Sayson declared a shipment on board the vessel S/S Maas Trader as declared used truck replacement parts but actually contained six units of Kia Sportage and three units of Hyundai Galloper.

These were found to have been prohibited importation under Section 3 of Executive Order No. 156 and relevant customs laws, rules and regulations.