Customs files smuggling raps vs LPG importer

An Iligan City-based importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was slapped with smuggling charges before the Department of Justice on Thursday. In its complaint, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Petronas Energy Philippines defrauded the government of more than P1 billion in Customs duties through its smuggling activities. "From July 2010 to March 2011, Petronas made several importations of petroleum products... covered by 51 port entries with a combined dutiable value of P1,058,129,741.63," said newly appointed Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon at a news briefing at the DOJ. Petronas has yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaint. Efforts to reach the company have been unsuccessful as of posting time. Biazon said Petronas' importations for the said period are irregular because the shipments were not subjected to load port surveys. "They are considered high-risk [products] and should not have been released," he said. Petronas' supposed failure to comply with the requirement constitutes a violation of the Customs and Tariff Code of the Philippines, as well as the Bureau of Customs' administrative and memorandum orders. The complaint against Petronas is the first to be filed under Biazon's leadership. Named respndents are Petronas chief finance officer Evelyn Cardoza Taneo, and Customs brokers Jerilee Uy Conlu, Carlos Barte, Dennis Ayong, Edgar Gallana, and other unnamed John Does and Jane Does. - Sophia Dedace/KBK, GMA News