Customs exceeds collection goal in June as import volume improves

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Thursday it was able to exceed its collection target for June by 4.4%, despite the effects of COVID-19 to the overall trading environment and a stringent community quarantine.

In a statement, the BOC said it collected P42.539 billion last month, around P1.8 billion higher compared to its collection goal of P40.739 billion for the period.

Citing preliminary report from its Financial Service, the Customs said 11 of the 17 collection districts were able to hit their respective targets, namely:

• Port of San Fernando La Union
• Port of Legaspi-
• Port of Cebu
• Port of Tacloban
• Port of Cagayan De Oro
• Port of Zamboanga
• Port of Davao
• Port of Subic
• Port of Clark
• Port of Aparri
• Port of Limay

“The BOC’s positive revenue collection performance is the result of intensified collective effort of all ports and the gradually improving volume of importation,” the bureau said.

“It can also be attributed to the government's effort in ensuring unhampered movement of goods domestically and internationally considering the pandemic situation,” it said.

The BOC noted it maintains its enhanced control measures against undervaluation, misdeclaration and other forms of technical smuggling to protect our borders and collect lawful revenues.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero commended the collective effort of the men and women of the Bureau of Customs who, despite the risk to their health and safety, showed their unwavering commitment and dedication to service, according to the bureau. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA News