P11M misdeclared agri products seized
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Cebu has seized P11 million worth of misdeclared agricultural products, such as apples, carrots, and potatoes.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, together with some BOC officials, opened yesterday two of the five container vans loaded with farm produce from China. The shipments arrived at Cebu port last week of October.
However, the five shipments with zero taxes and duties were declared only as apples.
"Ang apples kasi walang babayarang taxes yan but agricultural products, such as potatoes and carrots may taxes and duties. Kaya the consignee misdeclared it as apples para wala silang babayarang buhis sa gobyerno," Lapeña said.
BOC-Cebu Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Collector Dr. Wivina Pumatong said all the goods were confiscated in favor of the government even if the shipment of apples has a permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry.
He also said the potatoes and carrots have no import permits.
Since the confiscated goods are perishable, the bureau will hold a public auction sale. The proceeds of the sale will serve as government's added revenue.
Lapeña said the bureau will investigate the consignee, WSTAN and Company Inc. which office is located at Champ Building, Anda Circle, Bonifacio Drive, Barangay 650, Zone 086, Port Area in Manila.
According to the document, the