BOC suspends Makati Express Cargo Inc over failure to pay duties, taxes

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has ordered a 60-day suspension on the accreditation of Makati Express Cargo Inc. (MECI) as a deconsolidator or a broker over its alleged failure to settle its outstanding duties and taxes.

According to the BOC, the suspension was imposed following the MECI's alleged non-compliance to a show-cause order (SCO) issued to the company on October 23, directing them to pay the outstanding duties and taxes and explain within three days why they should not be blacklisted and have their accreditation revoked.

“The Bureau of Customs will continue to enforce accountability and protect the welfare of our OFWs,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all forwarding companies comply with customs laws and that our kababayans can trust that their hard-earned shipments reach their families safely and without delay," he said.

GMA Integrated News reached out to MECI for comment and will publish it once available.

Prior to the suspension, the customs agency said it received reports that MECI had numerous containers of Balikbayan Boxes left unclaimed and unpaid across several ports, including Cebu, Manila International Container Port (MICP), and Davao.

Some of these containers were found to have been overstaying for an extended period, with several already declared abandoned.

Meanwhile, the BOC said it will coordinate with the  Department of Migrant Workers to ensure the delivery of the affected balikbayan boxes and with the Department of Trade and Industry to address the issue.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News