BOC charges chemical importer with smuggling

The Bureau of Customs has accused an importer of chemicals of undervaluing 48 shipments in 2009 and 2010 so it could avoid paying P23.3 million in duties and taxes. Cleveland Industries Inc. allegedly declared those shipments to be worth only P60.79 million, when the BOC found that the actual value of the goods was P170 million. The BOC said the importer paid only P8.42 million by undervaluing the dutiable value of the chemicals. Charged in the complaint are Cleveland Industries president Joana Soat Ing and purchasing manager Anderson Angelo Tang Sy. Accused of facilitating the release of the shipments were Customs brokers Josefina Buragay Foraseros, Elmer Ordais Albis, and Roela Castro Cristobal. Customs Deputy Commissioner Gregorio Chavez said the alleged smugglers face up to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of up to P10,000 each. They will also be required to pay the proper duties and value-added tax for the shipments. — ELR/VS, GMA News