DOF OKs donation of seized gasoline to PCG

The Department of Finance (DOF) said Thursday it has approved the donation of 1,251.68 liters of seized gasoline to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In a statement, the DOF said Finance Secretary Ralph Recto gave the thumbs up for the donation of seized fuel to the PCG in “support the country’s maritime safety and security operations.”

The 1,251.68 liters of gasoline were forfeited by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) pursuant to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) for violating fuel marking regulations.

Fuel marking, which involves injecting chemical identifiers into tax-paid oil products, is being carried out under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act to curb the smuggling of petroleum products.

The donation of the seized gasoline was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “directive to intensify the fight against smuggling and strengthen national security.”

“This donation not only shows our commitment to bolstering our defense sector, but is a clear warning to all businesses that any illicit act will not go unpunished. Hinding hindi namin palalampasin ang anumang panlalamang at iligal na gawain (We will not tolerate illegal activities),” said Recto.

Section 1141 of the CMTA authorizes the donation of goods subject to disposition to another government agency, upon the approval of the Secretary of Finance, according to the DOF. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA Integrated News