Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is pushing for the full automation of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to combat, among others, the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief lamented the bulk entry of illegal drugs through ports not only in Manila but also in other parts of the country.
“So kailangan natin tingnan ang BOC kung ano ang pagkakamali kasi tone-tonelada ang pumapasok,” said Lacson.
While the BOC is already computerized through the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA or RA 10863), its system is not yet fully automated.
Lacson shared that during a budget hearing, he told the BOC that he was willing to help find money for the full automation of their operations, but he said the agency appeared to be uninterested.
The BOC, according to the senator, needs more or less P15 billion to fully automate its services.
“Parang hindi sila interesado. The conclusion, ayaw nila mawala yung human intervention. Ang problema nga indi lang smuggled items ang pumapasok, napapasukan tayo pati ng illegal drugs na kumakalat sa merkado,” said Lacson.
The senator is not only pushing for the full automation of BOC but also of all processes in government agencies.IMT
