THE government is revving up its push for transparency and accountability in vehicle importations to curb smuggling and collect proper taxes.
This was after officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) signed a memorandum of agreement to tighten controls on imported vehicle registration.
A statement issued by the BOC last Tuesday read that the agreement prompts the two agencies to improve coordination and exchange of key documents, such as ‘Certificate of Payment,’ ‘Certificates of Registration’ and official receipts.
A joint task force will also be created to conduct enforcement operations against unlawfully imported, misdeclared, or misclassified vehicles, which are violations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), the statement further read.
Within 30 days of signing the agreement, the BOC and LTO will then form a joint technical working group (TWG) to develop and implement the necessary rules and guidelines for the effective implementation of the agreement.
The agreement also seeks to safeguard the public by deterring fraudulent practices, curbing unfair competition and protecting government revenues vital to national development.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the agreement reflects the collaborative effort between the BOC and LTO in promoting transparency and coordinated enforcement.
‘This mutual cooperation with the LTO reinforces our shared goal of ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strict compliance with customs laws and other government regulations. By working together, we want to make sure that every vehicle import and registration process is handled with the highest standards of integrity,’ Nepomuceno was quoted in the statement as saying.
The initiative is also in line with the President’s directive for stronger and more unified action against smuggling in all its forms to ensure that government revenues are properly collected.
LTO Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao turned over to the BOC one unit of Lamborghini Urus, which was recently intercepted by LTO personnel in the Bonifacio Global City area. Lacanilao said the move would allow the BOC to evaluate the vehicle if it went through legal and customs processes.
‘This initiative highlights the BOC’s commitment under Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership to modernize operations, strengthen integrity, and ensure that government services remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to the public’s call for a more credible and reliable governance,’ the BOC’s statement read.