The Department of Finance (DOF) approved the donation of 1,251.68 liters of seized gasoline to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The fuel will support the country’s maritime safety and security operations.
The DOF said this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the fight against smuggling and bolster national security.
“This donation not only shows our commitment to bolstering our defense sector but is a clear warning to all businesses that any illicit act will not go unpunished. We will not tolerate any exploitation or illegal activities,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) forfeited the gasoline under Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) due to violations of fuel marking regulations.
Fuel marking, which involves injecting chemical identifiers into tax-paid oil products, is a measure under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act designed to curb the smuggling of petroleum products.
Section 1141 of the CMTA authorizes the donation of goods subject to disposition to another government agency, with the approval of the Secretary of Finance.
