Over 1.1K show cause orders issued vs. errant BOC employees in 2021

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday reported that 1,153 show cause orders were issued last year against its errant employees as part of its anti-corruption campaign.

Of this number, 133 personnel investigations were conducted by the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service which resulted in the filing of 44 administrative cases before the BOC-Legal Service.

Fourteen cases were also transmitted by the BOC to the National Bureau of Investigation, while four others were to the Office of the Ombudsman.

As a result, three BOC employees were dismissed, 17 were suspended, six were reprimanded, 19 were relieved, and 721 were reshuffled or transferred to other offices and ports due to their “irregular and unlawful activities.”

The Bureau noted that these measures to curb corrupt practices in their institution could be attributed to several initiatives such as the signing of a manifesto in March 2021 against corruption by all BOC officials and personnel.

The BOC also reported that its units and offices continue to undertake the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (ISO QMS) Certification, an international standard for organizations to provide consistent products and services that meet a customer’s requirements or expectations.

In 2021, nine BOC ports, subports, and offices were awarded ISO 9001:2015 certifications, while the rest are in various stages of the ISO compliance process. — Giselle Ombay/BM, GMA News