Smuggling charges filed vs. luxury car consignee, broker

The Bureau of Customs on Wednesday filed smuggling charges at the Department of Justice against two individuals for allegedly misdeclaring P7.8 million worth of luxury cars.

The cars were seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in September.

Facing a complaint for violation of Sections 1400 and 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10683) are Julius Catalig, owner of Manila-based Juljerjac Trading, and Rodrigo De Guzman, the customs broker who processed the 40-footer shipment.

Yasser Ismail Abbas, director of the BOC legal service, said the shipment was seized due to a misdeclared used black Mercedes Benz, a used white Mercedes Benz, and wheel and tires on September 13.

The shipment declared as containing auto parts arrived on July 29 from Hong Kong.

"Had it not been for the timely discovery and apprehension of the subject shipment, respondents could have unlawfully released all the subject shipment thru the use of false/falsified/spurious documents, to the detriment of the government," the complaint stated.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, in a statement, said he has already ordered the Bureau Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) to speed up investigations on erring importers and brokers and to file necessary criminal complaint against the culprits.

"This is clear manifestation that we are pursuing the smugglers to the end. They should be held liable for any fraud done against the government," he said. — BM, GMA News