Palace: We need systemic reforms, not just revamp in BOC

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Palace on Tuesday said that while sacking or shuffling officials help curb corruption and smuggling, the ultimate solution lies in systemic change.

“Ang ating idinidiin dito ay kinakailangan ng sistematikong pagbabago at iyong pagtukoy dun sa pinanggagalingan o sanhi ng problema ,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a press briefing.

(What we are stressing here is the need for systemic change and the identification of the root cause of the problem.)

It was in response to a comment during the same briefing that past attempts to replace Bureau of Customs officials have not solved the country’s smuggling woes.

Coloma said the revamp in agencies addressed the lack of accountability and response of the officials.

Coloma said such moves were made in tandem with anti-corruption reforms.

For the BOC, the reforms include digitizing transactions and changes in the importer accreditation process, among others.

Coloma boasted that since 2010, the government has filed 157 cases or an average of one case per week under the Run After Tax Evaders and Smugglers program.

RELATED STORIES

51 years of smuggling cost $410B, says study

Agri groups decry  unabated smuggling

Bureau of Customs’ crucial role in inclusive growth