Customs exceeds Nov. collection

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recorded the highest monthly collection for November at P46.470 billion, which is also 14 percent higher compared to the same month last year.

“We have been achieving historical collection figures since September, but the latest November collection is really a milestone for BOC, being the highest in the monthly collection ever achieved by BOC. This, despite having only 19 working days. I think we could have surpassed our monthly target if November has the usual number of working days,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.

In 2016, the BOC also exceeded its target collection at P40.239 billion, 12 percent than its P36.45 billion goal.

Lapeña identified the five collection districts that surpassed their monthly targets yesterday.

These ports include: Port of Batangas, with P13.339 billion collection, 18 percent higher against its P11.36 billion revenue target; Port of Tacloban, with P59 million collection, 177 percent higher against its P21 million revenue target; Port of Cagayan de Oro, with P1.273 billion collection, 1.1 percent higher against its P1.259 billion revenue target; Port of Clark, with P149 million collection, 6.6 percent higher against its P140 million revenue target; Port of Davao, with P1.56 billion collection, 6.6 percent higher against its P1.464 billion revenue target.

Lapena attributed the increase on revenue collection to higher oil prices and volume of importation, which grew by 7.9 percent compared to the same period last year.

Auction proceeds, a non-traditional source of revenue, also contributed significantly to this latest collection feat, he said.

The BOC chief expressed optimism that by this month, his office will be able to hit, if not surpass, its monthly target.

We have been achieving historical collection figures since September. ISIDRO LAPEñA Customs Commissioner