BOC, social media practitioners ink deal to curb corruption, smuggling

Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Bureau Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) and the Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KSMBP) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) allowing the sharing of information between the two groups. (Photo: Bureau of Customs PH/ Facebook)

MANILA–The government and a civil society organization have formed an alliance in a bid to curb corruption and smuggling.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Bureau Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) and the Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KSMBP) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) allowing the sharing of information between the two groups.

“Ang Kapisanan ng mga Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas meron na tayong pag tutulungan upang labanan corruption at smuggling. Dito sa MOA ang importante dito at info sharing. So ang BATAS ng BOC bigyan ng access itong kaMOA natin na makakuha ng info in accordance to the data privacy act,” said BOC Legal Chief Alvin Ebreo, BATAS head.

He added, “Ang Kapisanan ay magiging watchdog natin at sa mga activities ng BATAS they are free, they are invited as witnesses kung ano ang mga ginagawa sa ating mga activities para malabanan nga ang corruption and smuggling.”

Under the MOA, the Project consists of sharing and analyzing information related to tax collection, trade, border security and the information goods into the Philippines with the end goal of suppressing, detecting, apprehending, and when applicable, prosecuting violations of Philippine laws and regulations related to the importation of goods and facilitation of trade.

He assured that they are doing their best in stopping illegal transaction by coming up with endeavors such as the partnership with the private sector.

“Pinapaabot ko sa ating kababayan na ang BOC ay nandito para magperform ng mandato para mapataas ang revenue collection natin sa pamamagitan ng higpitan ang paglaban natin sa corruption and smuggling,” Ebreo said.

At the same time, he asked the participation help of the public to support their fight against these wrongdoings.

“Kami ay humihingi ng tulong sa sambayanang Pilipino. Kinatututawa na ang kapisanan nakinig sa ating pagtawag na makipagtulungan sa atin. Kami ay natutuwa na meorn mga ganito group na willing makipag tulungan sa BOC…” the BOC official added.

He is also looking into boosting cooperation with other organizations from the private sector.

“Ito ay simula pa lang ng ugnayan sa private sector. May sector sa community natin. nag encourage kami ng iba pang group na makipag tulungan sa amin. Ito may magkakaroon ng laman, ma enforce siya sa pamamagitan ng ganitong MOA,” Ebreo added.

The memorandum will be valid for one year unless otherwise extended by the parties in writing.

The KSMBP is a private organization focusing on the welfare of social media practitioners and it is headed by Dr. Michael Aragon.