Free Zone

The Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) is the reason that some alleged legitimate importers here in Cebu have stopped their importations, which resulted to the all time low revenue at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) here.

It was the PASG that recommended to President Arroyo the destruction instead of auctioning the smuggled expensive luxury vehicles that were apprehended in the free port of Subic.

The way things are being done by PASG they must be thinking they are the law. While much money has been lost by the government to illicit transactions at customs, PASG is still accountable to the people.

On the other hand, PASG’s operations against illegally imported luxury motor vehicles, rice and other taxable goods are being viewed by many as a way of putting to shame Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales.

The creation of PASG, which is under the Office of the President, gives the impression that the President no longer trusts the BOC. The nationwide operations of PASG against smugglers have openly discredited the BOC.
By Elias L. Espinoza - SunStar