Smuggling charges filed vs. traders for used, right-hand drive cars

The Bureau of Customs on Thursday filed criminal complaints against several individuals involved in smuggling into the country from Japan and South Korea vehicles that were either second-hand or right-hand drive, worth a total of P4.5 million.

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said most of the those slapped with complaints were officers of the Manila-based Philippine Genesis Freight Unlimited Inc, for attempting to sneak in three used vehicles from South Korea worth P3 million without the required import permit at the Port of Davao last May 10.

Charged in the complaint were the firm's president and chairman of the board Josefina Yap, treasurer Raymond Yap, vice president Pamela Bernal, and directors Anthony Yap and Patrishia Anne Yap.

They were charged with violation of Section 3601 in relation to Section 101 and Section 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines and violation of Executive Order 156 banning the importation of used vehicles.

The second-hand cars were found inside a 40-foot container van that was consigned to the Philippine Genesis Freight Unlimited Inc. The vehicles consisted of a Daewoo Rezzo, Kia Carens, and a Hyundai Sonata.

"The Supreme Court has already ruled on the validity of Executive Order No. 156. Hence the importation of used vehicles used without the required import permits from concerned government agencies is illegal and the BOC will strictly enforce this," Biazon said.

Charges were also pressed against a second firm, Gaspoint Mechanical Engineering Services, for bringing in two right-hand drive Mitsubishi Fuso Canter trucks worth P1.5 million from Japan last April 5 at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Charged were the firm's owner Venecio Luterio of Mandaluyong City and his licensed customs broker Benedicto Jamito.

"The essence of RA 8506 is to keep our roads safe by not allowing right-hand drive vehicles to ply our streets. The BOC will therefore never allow the people's interest and safety to be compromised on this regard," said Biazon.

RA 8506 prohibits the importation of right-hand drive vehicles. — BM, GMA News