December 1st, 2022
House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district) emphasized that the “partnership” between the House tax panel and the Bureau of Customs since he took over as Chair of the committee helped improve the agency’s revenue performance. Salceda made the statement during today’s tax committee hearings on bills related to the Bureau of Customs.
Salceda pointed out that every full year after he was first designated as chair in 2019, the Bureau exceeded its revenue targets.
“The Bureau was 4.6% below target in 2019. Every year since, the BOC exceeded its targets. This year, they have already exceeded their 2022 targets and it’s just November,” Salceda said.
Salceda also pointed out that the committee’s work with Customs includes “Investigation in aid of legislation or reform, continuing oversight, and highlighting of best practices.”
“CWM never investigates for media attention. Every investigation results in some enhancement in administrative policy. CWM’s consistent discussions, investigation, and briefings aims to help prevent complacency in the BOC’s performance. CWM also strives to recognize best practices in the BOC, such as digitalization and quick turnaround time for medically essential goods such as vaccines during COVID-19,” Salceda said.
Salceda pointed out that as a result of the initiatives, the BOC has exceeded its targets by P86 billion under his chairmanship of the tax panel.
Salceda gave credit to the investigation and oversight work of his deputies in the 18th Congress, then Senior Vice Chair Estrellita Suansing and Vice Chair Sharon Garin, for the improvements made by the BOC following work with the committee.
“This is largely due to the competent and persistent work of former Representatives Suansing and Garin. I am thankful Cong. Sharon is still helping us out, and I am sure that Cong. Ging’s guidance is always available to our Senior Vice Chair.”
Salceda pointed out at least seven customs regulations which were formulated and issued at the directive of the Committee, including regulations on the super green lane, the creation of the Task Force against petroleum smuggling, and regulations on agricultural imports.
Salceda also deputized Ways and Means Senior Vice Chair Mikaela Suansing to preside over meetings for bills related to the Bureau of Customs.