6 traders, customs broker face smuggling raps

MANILA, Philippines—Six traders and a customs broker are facing smuggling charges for bringing into the country P4.5-million worth of  hand-me-down vehicles without permit, the Bureau of Customs said Thursday.

Facing complaints for violation of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines are Philippine Genesis Freight Unlimited, Inc. chairman of the board and president Josefina Yap, treasurer Raymond Yap, vice president Pamela Bernal and directors Anthony Yap and Patrishia Anne C. Yap.

Also charged with smuggling is Gaspoint Mechanical Engineering Services owner Venecio B. Luterio of Mandaluyong City and his licensed customs broker Benedicto Jamito.

The officers of Philippine Genesis Freight Unlimited allegedly attempted to smuggle into the country three used vehicles from South Korea worth P3-million on May 10 without the required permit.

Meanwhile, Gaspoint allegedly attempted to bring into the country two units of used right-hand drive Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Trucks worth P1.5 million from Japan last April 5.

Executive Order 156 bans the importation of used vehicles while Republic Act 8506 prohibits the importation of right-hand drive cars.