Latest news with #BureauofCustoms
GMA Network
a day ago
- Business
- GMA Network
BOC turns over 2,954 mishandled balikbayan boxes to DMW for distribution
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday turned over 2,954 balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for distribution to their intended recipients, the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The turnover ceremony was held at the Port of Davao in Davao City. In a statement, the BOC said the balikbayan boxes were originally sent by OFWs to their loved ones but were left unclaimed after being mishandled and abandoned by unscrupulous freight forwarders. With the approval of the Department of Finance, the Customs said it officially declared the boxes forfeited and signed a Deed of Donation with the DMW. The DMW is now tasked with ensuring that the long-delayed packages will finally reach their intended recipients. The Migrant Workers Department has since partnered with a logistics provider to ensure the safe and prompt delivery of the boxes to their rightful beneficiaries, according to the BOC. The BOC said the ceremonial turnover followed months of coordination between the two agencies, which began in 2024. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
P15.8B worth of counterfeit goods seized in Divisoria warehouses
Some of the fake items seized in Divisoria warehouses. Photo from Bureau of Customs The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized some P15.8 billion worth of counterfeit goods in warehouses in Divisoria bearing unauthorized logos of brands such as Guess, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch. The follow-up inspection was conducted last Friday, May 23, after being flagged by global fashion brand Guess and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) for sales both in-store and online. 'These fakes aren't just illegal. They endanger consumers and destroy legitimate businesses,' Guess Philippines legal head Atty. Kristian Nico Acosta was quoted as saying in the BOC statement. The warehouses had long been flagged by Guess and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. The counterfeit items were being sold both in-store and online. 'This is about protecting Filipinos and creating a fair, honest market,' BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in the same statement. The BOC — mandated to supervise and control the clearance of vessels and aircraft engaged in foreign commerce — is tasked to collect nearly P1.06 trillion this year. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Customs chief steps down amid Marcos call for courtesy resignations
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on Friday announced his resignation, following suit with the courtesy resignations of Cabinet-level and secretary-ranked officials in the midst of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s post-midterm polls Cabinet overhaul. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio also tendered his courtesy resignation. — Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) May 23, 2025 'Ito po ay pagtugon sa panawagan ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas na muling iayon ang ating pamahalaan sa kung ano ang nararapat para sa taumbayan,' Rubio said in a statement. (This is in response to the call of the President of the Philippines to realign the government with the needs of the people.) 'To this end, I have submitted my resignation as the Commissioner of Customs to give the President a free hand in assessing the performance of the heads of agencies and better improve the service to the Filipino people,' the Customs chief said. Rubio's announcement came on the heels of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin's announcement of the latest changes in the Marcos Cabinet. Notably, his boss Finance Secretary Ralph Recto along with other members of the economic team —Trade Secretary Cristina Roque; Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan; Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman; and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go— were retained by the President. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. also tendered his courtesy resignation 'to give the Chief Executive a free hand in evaluating my performance in pursuit of further improving public service under his Administration.' 'Ang makapagsilbi po sa sambayanang Pilipino ay isa sa pinakamalaking karangalang ipinagkaloob sa akin,' Rubio said. (To serve the Filipino people is such great honor bestowed upon me.) 'I remain in full support of His Excellency's policies and reforms for national progress and development,' he added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
PH implements VAT refund for foreign tourists
Philippine officials signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists, allowing foreign tourists to claim a refund on value-added tax for goods purchased at accredited stores in the Philippines. The refund applies to purchases worth at least P3,000, provided the items are taken out of the country within 60 days. The IRR was signed by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, and Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros, with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and Presidential Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go in attendance. 'We want more tourists to come — and we want them to stay longer, spend bigger, and transact with convenience,' said Recto during the ceremony. The Department of Finance (DOF) will partner with internationally recognized VAT refund operators for seamless processing, with refunds available electronically or in cash. Recto emphasized that increased spending by tourists would boost economic output and create more jobs, benefiting businesses, workers, and government revenues. This initiative follows the signing of Republic Act 12079 last December by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., aimed at enhancing the Philippines' appeal as a global shopping destination. Recto concluded, 'We'll be the one ultimate tourist destination they'll keep coming back to.'
