BOC Asked by Senate Committee to Speed Up Modernization

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian is urging Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials to speed up the process of digitally shifting the agency by investing in more technology.

For Senator Gatchalian, the BOC can boost its modernization efforts by purchasing x-ray machines that can “promptly arrest incidents of smuggling, including technical smuggling, and rid the agency of corrupt employees to improve revenue collection.”

Currently, Senator Gatchalian is the sitting Chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The senator also had an ocular inspection and a walkthrough of the BOC’s modernization program at its main office in Port Area, Manila.

During his BOC inspection, Senator Gatchalian told officials from the BOC “to work earnestly to complete its digitalization program, modernize the facilities and invest in newer technologies, including the purchase of appropriate x-ray machines and should vigorously pursue an investigation of corrupt employees.”

“Alam natin na ang katiwalian sa anumang ahensya ng gobyerno ay nagdudulot ng malaking dagok sa tiwala ng taong bayan at pinsala sa kaban ng bayan. Dapat maimbestigahan nang husto ang mga tiwaling kawani sa mga ahensiya’t kagawaran,” mentioned Senator Gatchalian.

He likewise expressed his “earnest hope for the completion of the agency’s modernization program as soon as possible as this will lead to full automation of its operations which will significantly reduce leakages and improve revenue collection.”

To add, Senator Gatchalian highlighted the full digitalization of the BOC’s processes will lessen person-to-person engagement with employees and officers of Customs and “thus provides protection against integrity concerns.”

Source: Business Mirror