Ang Pahayagan

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday called for accountability within the Bureau of Customs against those involved in the alleged attempt to resale PHP270 million worth of seized contraband cigarettes in Capas, Tarlac.

The smuggled cigarettes were reportedly seized from the Port of Subic from July 2021 to June 2022, and were consigned to Hongcim International Corp. and Proline Logistics Philippines Inc.

These were scheduled for disposal in 2023 by Hazchem North, the owner of which is now under investigation after it was learned that he allegedly instructed an environmental consultant to find a buyer for the goods.

In a statement, Gatchalian urged authorities to put an end to what he described as a long-standing illicit practice, warning that anything less than full accountability would be a betrayal of public trust.

He said criminal charges, not just administrative cases, should be filed against those involved.

“This is not just simple smuggling or corruption. It is a racket within the government itself,” he said. “Authorities cannot turn a blind eye. When something is stolen from the people, someone must be held accountable.”

Over the weekend, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said “heads will roll” if personnel are found complicit, emphasizing that his office is committed to transparency.

He also pledged full cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the scheme.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, meanwhile, praised Rubio for swiftly ordering an investigation into the alleged resale attempt.

“I commend Commissioner Rubio for immediately taking action on the suspected resale of seized cigarettes,” Salceda, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement on Tuesday.

“At any given time, there are billions’ worth of smuggled or illicit cigarettes in government storages.”

He called for stronger oversight as he suggested that Congress be regularly updated on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and BOC’s inventory of confiscated goods, particularly excisable products like tobacco.

“We will make official inquiries in writing on whether it is possible to have Congress regularly updated on BIR and BOC’s inventory of illicit goods. For now, transparency in the government’s store of seized goods will help prevent future incidents,” he said. (PNA)

📸 SMUGGLED. Confiscated illicit cigarettes are set for disposal at the Waste Management Services in Porac, Pampanga on Monday (Feb. 24, 2025). The Bureau of Internal Revenue set a simultaneous nationwide destruction of illicit goods until Feb. 28. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)