Conflicting memos sow confusion

Conflicting memoranda from two ranking officials of the Bureau of Customs on rice importation is somehow creating confusion among local customs officials.

Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon issued a memorandum on March 7 informing all district port and sub-port collectors that rice importation under the Minimum Access Volume Program of the National Food Authority ended on February 28.

He also directed all collectors to seize all rice importations from countries other than India and Pakistan.

Faeldon’s memorandum was also based on the notice from NFA Administrator Jason Aquino.

However, Customs Deputy Commissioner Natalio Ecarma issued another memorandum on March 17 informing all collectors that rice importation under MAV Program had been extended until March 31 regardless of the country of origin.

Verne Enciso, officer-in-charge of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, who recommended the seizure of P289 million worth of smuggled rice shipment, said he will follow Faeldon’s memorandum over Ecarma.

"Conflicting talaga yung dalawang orders. Pero since si Faeldon is the commissioner, I am bound to follow him," said Enciso.

The conflicting orders allegedly resulted in confusion in other ports. Enciso said rice shipments without NFA permit were not apprehended in other ports except Cebu.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier fired Undersecretary Halmen Valdez for favoring the extension of MAV program.

Valdez was undersecretary of the Office of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, who chairs the NFA Council.

JAY ROMMEL LABRA Container vans are piled up at the yard of Cebu International Port, including those that allegedly contained smuggled rice that were held by the Bureau of Customs.