BOC files raps vs 2 over misdeclared Benzes

An importer and a customs broker were charged by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Department of Justice on Wednesday for allegedly misdeclaring two Mercedes-Benz vehicles worth P7.8 million.

Named respondents in the complaint filed by the BOC Bureau Action Team Against Smugglers (Batas) were Julius Catalig, registered owner of Juljerjac Trading, and customs broker Rodrigo de Guzman.

They were charged with violating Sections 1400 and 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which prohibited the misdeclaration, misclassification and undervaluation of imported goods.

“The strong evidence of misdeclaration and unlawful importation warrants the filing of criminal cases against the respondents,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said in a statement.

Yassel Ismail Abbas, Batas executive director, said the refurbished luxury vehicles were seized on Sept. 13 at the Manila International Container Port. Abbas said the shipment, which arrived from Hong Kong on July 29, was originally declared as “10 packages” of vehicle spare parts before it was discovered by customs inspector Alexander Ugay. —Marlon Ramos