The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Cebu has remained committed to strengthening revenue collection, facilitating legitimate trade, protecting the country’s borders, and sustaining the campaign against smuggling and illicit trade.
This developed as Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go met with the BOC -Port of Cebu official during his official visit to Cebu. Go also met with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for discussions on revenue performance, operational updates, and enforcement initiatives.
Joining Secretary Go were Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) Deputy Commissioner Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero, DOF Undersecretary Atty. Rolando T. Ligon, BOC Legal Service Director Atty. Victor Pablo C. Trinidad, District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman, and officials of the Port of Cebu and BIR.
During a working lunch, the BOC – Port of Cebu and BIR briefed the Finance Secretary on their respective accomplishments, revenue performance, operational developments, and priority initiatives.
Following the briefing, Secretary Frederick Go and the officials proceeded to the Cebu International Port to inspect seized containers containing illicit cigarettes. The inspection highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to combat illicit trade, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard government revenues through strengthened enforcement and inter-agency coordination.
“I assure everybody that the Department of Finance is fully supporting the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue in their efforts. We will continue to strengthen enforcement and hold those who engage in illegal activities accountable,” Secretary Frederick Go said.
The delegation thereafter proceeded to Mandaue City, where the BOC – Port of Cebu joined Secretary Go and the BIR for a press conference on the destruction of seized locally manufactured cigarettes. The activity underscored the coordinated efforts of the country’s revenue agencies in addressing the illicit tobacco trade and ensuring the proper disposition of confiscated goods.
The visit strengthened coordination among the DOF, BOC, and BIR in advancing the government’s revenue and enforcement priorities.
