Customs employees under investigation for alleged corruption up to 120
ABOUT 120 employees of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) have been investigated from 2023 to 2024, as the agency is doubling down on its anti-corruption efforts.
“As a result, 14 employees were placed on preventive suspension after being charged administratively, while 6 employees were meted with the penalty of suspension,” the Customs said in a statement on Jan. 25.
The BoC added that continued implementation of the Customer Care Portal System (CCPS) allows stakeholders to file declarations and applications online, reducing face-to-face interactions and opportunities for corruption.
From 2023 to 2024, Customs also said that it filed 135 criminal cases in the Department of Justice against those involved in illegal activities.
“The BoC secured 25 criminal convictions since 2023 against erring individuals involved in the unlawful importation of various goods,” it said.
It also revoked the accreditations of 143 importers and 42 customs brokers involved in fraudulent activities.
“We are committed to fighting corruption every step of the way. The public can count on us to make Customs an agency they can trust,” Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
