In a significant action reinforcing the government’s unwavering campaign to safeguard public health and consumer welfare, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Zamboanga, successfully disposed of a batch of forfeited goods by dumping.
The condemnation activity, which was carried out in full compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect public safety and ensure goods meet legal standards, involved the destruction of:
281 bales of used clothing (ukay-ukay)
153 sacks of sugar
28 boxes of assorted medicines
These items were previously forfeited for violations of Republic Act No. 4653 and Republic Act No. 9711, in relation to Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). Their proper disposal is critical to maintaining the safety of local markets and preventing non-compliant or potentially harmful goods from entering the Philippine supply chain.
In a move that highlights the BOC’s commitment to good governance, the entire condemnation process was streamed live. This follows the directive of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to promote transparency and accountability in all BOC operations by ensuring full coverage and recording of condemnation activities.
Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of this step: “Beyond the seizure of illicit goods, we must ensure their proper and safe disposal to prevent risk or harm to the public and the environment. In line with our commitment to uphold transparency and integrity in all customs operations, we are also implementing the live broadcast of every condemnation activity.”
Representatives from the local government unit were physically present during the event. The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the Commission on Audit (COA), though unable to attend in person, closely monitored the activity via the live broadcast, further cementing the integrity of the process.
The condemnation was carried out pursuant to Section 1145 of the CMTA, Customs Administrative Order 03-2020, and other relevant customs laws, rules, and regulations. The BOC remains resolute in its mandate to protect the national borders, facilitate legitimate trade, and secure the welfare of the Filipino people.
