PGMA reiterates strong government resolve against smugglers
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated Saturday that the destruction of 18 smuggled cars at the Subic Bay Freeport last Thursday was a strong indication of the government's determination to finally put an end to smuggling in the country.
At the same time, the President stressed that the government still upholds the cases filed against the wrongdoers despite the destruction of the smuggled motor vehicles.
"Crushing smuggled cars doesn't mean that we are quashing the cases filed against those who tried to illegally bring them in," the President said in a statement.
She added that on the contrary, prosecution of the parties responsible for the misdeeds will be pursued in earnest.
"They will not be allowed to redeem other cars that may be auctioned off through their paid proxies. Not only will they be barred from future auctions; they will be put behind bars," she said.
In compliance with the order from the President to the Bureau of Customs and as part of the government's resolve against smugglers and their protectors, four backhoes tore 18 confiscated vehicles worth P30 million into shreds last Aug. 16 at the Subic Bay Economic Zone impounding compound in Olongapo City.
Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said the government will continue to destroy smuggled motor vehicles if it will curb the perennial problem of smuggling in the country.
According to him, the government loses P64 to P65 billion annually in potential revenues due to smuggling.
Fiscal authorities are hoping that measures against smuggling would help boost revenues and allow the government to wipe out the budget deficit which stood at P39.4 billion from January to July this year.
The government hopes to cap the deficit at P63 billion by yearend. (PNA)
At the same time, the President stressed that the government still upholds the cases filed against the wrongdoers despite the destruction of the smuggled motor vehicles.
"Crushing smuggled cars doesn't mean that we are quashing the cases filed against those who tried to illegally bring them in," the President said in a statement.
She added that on the contrary, prosecution of the parties responsible for the misdeeds will be pursued in earnest.
"They will not be allowed to redeem other cars that may be auctioned off through their paid proxies. Not only will they be barred from future auctions; they will be put behind bars," she said.
In compliance with the order from the President to the Bureau of Customs and as part of the government's resolve against smugglers and their protectors, four backhoes tore 18 confiscated vehicles worth P30 million into shreds last Aug. 16 at the Subic Bay Economic Zone impounding compound in Olongapo City.
Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said the government will continue to destroy smuggled motor vehicles if it will curb the perennial problem of smuggling in the country.
According to him, the government loses P64 to P65 billion annually in potential revenues due to smuggling.
Fiscal authorities are hoping that measures against smuggling would help boost revenues and allow the government to wipe out the budget deficit which stood at P39.4 billion from January to July this year.
The government hopes to cap the deficit at P63 billion by yearend. (PNA)
posted by OlongapoCity Zambales at
5:10 PM
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