Returning Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina has identified five general principles for instituting reforms during what will be a short stint as head of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
In his acceptance speech at turnover rites held April 24, Lina said that “as a keen observer of Customs, from the outside looking in, I have many ideas I think will make our processes more efficient and systematic.”
He said he agrees with immediate former customs commissioner John Phillip Sevilla that “reform is not glamorous.” Reform is “in the little everyday improvements that we can give the public.”
Lina admitted he has “big shoes to fill,” but intends to carry on with the reforms in good governance and processes that Sevilla started.
Sevilla resigned on April 23, complaining political pressure from certain groups.
“Now that I am here, I believe my extensive experience in the private sector will be tested. The primary task assigned to us is not easy, with the end in view of increasing efficiency and improved revenue generation,” Lina said.
He added that the period between his previous stint in BOC and his reappointment now, when his companies are “seen as a leader in logistics nationwide,” has given him “much experience and perspective.”
Cesar Purisima, Secretary of the Department of Finance, mother agency of BOC in a press statement said, “I said Commissioner Sunny left very big shoes to fill. Not only has Commissioner Bert filled the very same shoes previously, he is well poised to bring his vast experience of innovation and ingenuity from the private sector, to the Bureau of Customs.
“This job is right down his alley. I fully expect him to use his command of systems thinking and process interventions to consolidate the uptrend in Customs collections. I admire his sacrifice; already having made something of himself as a self made man at this stage of his life, a successful Filipino entrepreneur is coming back home to serve in government. If we want to make irreversible reforms, we are counting on an expert to make these systemic changes last.”
Lina owns the Lina Group of Companies, which is engaged in customs bonded warehousing, logistics, value-added service, and customs brokerage. His businesses include Air21, Cargohaus, UFL, E-Konek, 2100 Customs Brokers, Inc., Ube Media, Linaheim, and ShoPinas.
He has said he is divesting from these companies as required of public officials.
Two former customs commissioners, Guillermo Parayno and Angelito Alvarez, have worked for Lina in some of his companies
Lina was appointed BOC commissioner in 2005 and served for only five months before resigning, deciding together with nine other executive officials dubbed as Hyatt 10, to withdraw support from then-president Gloria Arroyo in the aftermath of the “Hello Garci” scandal.
Lina said the five reform principles he has in mind include adopting integrity as the agency’s work ethic, with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s mandate of “Daang Matuwid” as the foundation for action.
Leveling the playing field by ensuring fair, efficient, speedy, and hospitable services will be another priority.
“A positive image should be the first, continuing, and lasting impression that our clients must carry with them. A happy and satisfied customer always comes back,” Lina said.
Corruption, according to the new commissioner, is one of the biggest impediments to the economic growth of the country.
“We must battle this with a combination of factors—increased awareness, appropriate technology, and resolute action on violators,” Lina said, adding that BOC will continue to be transparent with its data.
Moreover, Lina said they “will continue to decongest our ports and improve our systemic interventions adapting to a growing economy getting busier every season.”
Lina said BOC will involve all stakeholders in this collaborative effort, as well as draw support from concerned government agencies.
Performance management of BOC employees “will be the hallmark of our organization,” Lina said.
“While success could be considered its own reward, meritorious performance will also be recognized and appropriate rewards will be made available to the deserving,” he added.
Internal management audits, according to Lina, will be introduced to guide BOC employees in attaining their key result areas. The audit exercise will also enable BOC to identify problems and provide the solutions to correct and avoid mistakes or oversights.
Lina admitted that his time with BOC will be short as the Aquino administration winds down (elections are scheduled next year), but considers his reappointment to the agency as “a rare privilege and another opportunity to serve the country,” which he added is the reason he accepted the job.
“Many have asked why I chose to accept this challenge. My answer—love of country. At this stage of my life, it is time to give back,” Lina said.
Stakeholders’ wish list
Manwhile, some stakeholders offered suggestions on what projects they want the new commissioner to pursue.
Dan Lachica, president of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc., told PortCalls in a text message the group hopes the new commissioner continues the move toward “modernization and transparency to eliminate corruption.”
Alfredo Yatco III of the Port Users Confederation gave the assurance that “PUC will be there to push for reforms proactively to benefit the stakeholders and the country.”
He called for BOC to “reform the process protocols and more industry consultations before releasing new CAOs/CMOs (customs administrative orders/customs memorandum orders) to effect genuine trade facilitation.”
Aduana Business Club, Inc. director Samson Gabisan said he would like the new BOC head to continue what Sevilla has started. – Roumina Pablo
