A minor setback

EDITORIAL - The Philippine Star

The Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini were missing, and so was President Arroyo as 18 luxury vehicles smuggled through the Subic Freeport Zone were destroyed Thursday. The destruction pushed through despite warnings from legislators that it could violate laws governing the disposition of items seized as part of criminal operations. The vehicles, lawmakers said, must be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to national coffers.

Malacañang officials pointed out that public auctions merely allowed smugglers to bid for the vehicles that they bring in. How to stop this practice, which is also employed in smuggling other items through various ports around the country, is a challenge to those who want to stop smuggling. The task is daunting especially because Customs and port personnel themselves are often in cahoots with smugglers. Also involved in the operations are certain personnel of the Land Transportation Office, who issue license plates and the necessary documents not only for smuggled vehicles but also for stolen ones.

The biggest hindrance to the campaign against smuggling are influential people who can clear contraband for release with just one phone call to Customs authorities. Every administration has such people; their activities have served as the biggest inspiration to the corrupt in the Bureau of Customs. Every administration makes a big show of fighting smugglers and destroying intercepted contraband. But how many people have been arrested and sent to prison for smuggling? The most notorious smugglers know whose palms to grease all the way to the top, and have survived several changes in government.

These smugglers launder crime proceeds, setting up or expanding legitimate outlets for contraband, from vegetables and dressed chicken to luxury vehicles. Thursday’s destruction of the luxury vehicles, some of which appeared to have seen better days, were a minor setback for the smugglers. They are still out there, unidentified and unrepentant, enjoying the protection of influential people.