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The Bureau of Customs denied issuing a memo requiring a mandatory cash bond from new importers seeking accreditation with the bureau
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BOC called the fake memo “baseless” and “strongly” condemned its circulation
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The memo was purportedly issued by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on November 21, 2024
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BOC said it will conduct a thorough investigation to identify individuals or groups behind what it said is a malicious act
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) denied issuing a memo that requires a mandatory cash bond from new importers seeking accreditation with the bureau.
BOC in a statement called the fake memo “baseless” and “strongly” condemned its circulation. The memo was purportedly issued by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on November 21, 2024.
“The uncovered falsification of document, which was deliberately made to appear as one issued by the Office of the Commissioner, is a dire attempt to mislead the public and undermine the integrity of the BOC’s operations, not mention concomitant swindling schemes against gullible and unsuspecting transacting stakeholders,” BOC said.
It added that information and regulations contained in the document are “entirely baseless and do not reflect the policies or practices of the agency.”
The memo supposedly aims to address the “increasing prevalence of importers submitting falsified importation documents, operating through dummy offices, and filing entries involving undervaluation and misdeclaration.” It said a one-time cash bond of P4 million for corporations and P3 million for sole proprietorships or partnerships was required.
BOC said it will conduct a thorough investigation to identify individuals or groups behind what it said is a malicious act.
“Legal action will certainly be pursued to the fullest extent against those found responsible for this fraudulent activity,” the bureau added.
Moreover, BOC urged the public, stakeholders, and the importing community to exercise vigilance and verify authenticity of any communication or policy through official channels. All relevant BOC policies are published on its website.
READ: BOC orders return of auto importers’ cash bond with lifting of safeguard duty
