The government has taken a step towards digitalization by integrating the Customs baggage and currency declaration form into its eTravel System.
The move was a part of efforts to consolidate all Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) forms in one electronic platform.
The Quarantine’s health declaration form and the Immigration’s departure and arrival cards have also been included in the system.
Outbound and inbound passengers are required to register on the eTravel portal 72 hours before their flights.
The eTravel System is a digital platform for collecting data on passengers arriving in and departing from the Philippines. It will be used for border control, health surveillance, and economic data analysis.
The Bureau of Customs launched the eTravel System at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in November. It was developed in collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“The system is a testament to the government’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for border control, aligning with international standards, and advancing towards a more secure and efficient customs environment” said Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
Meanwhile, AMLC officials led by Allan Julius Azcueta and Customs Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval met at the Port of NAIA and discussed necessary cross-border measures concerning both agencies as to the physical transportation of currencies and monetary instruments in relation to the implementation of the eTravel System.
This meeting is aligned with the implementation of the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing Strategy initiated by the Office of the President.
In 2022, Customs agents arrested two Japanese nationals at NAIA for trying to smuggle two travel bags loaded with 100,645,000 Yen (P45 million).
The arrest was made following information from the International Police that the two Japanese nationals were scheduled to arrive in Manila with a “huge” amount of foreign currency.
The bureau advises the public to refrain from engaging in similar fraudulent schemes, as the BSP requires the faithful declaration and accomplishment of Foreign Currency Declaration Forms for the importation and exportation of foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 or its equivalent.