The Bureau of Customs earned more than P138.7 million from the disposition of abandoned or overstaying containers in the country during the first quarter of 2021.
In a statement, the bureau said it disposed of a total of 586 overstaying containers through various modes of disposition such as auction, condemnation and donation, for the first quarter of 2021.
Customs said P138,535,866 was generated from the public auction of 354 overstaying containers carrying assorted items such as rice and galvanized steel as well as from the condemnation of 232 containers.
These overstaying containers were either abandoned or seized under Sections 1139 and 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which provides for the conditions and modes of disposition, respectively.
Customs also said that cargoes that were not withdrawn within the regulatory period of 30 calendar days from the payment of duties, taxes and other charges will be deemed abandoned unless covered by duly issued alert orders and upon the finality of the Decree of Abandonment. The Bureau will then determine the proper disposition among auction, condemnation or donation.
The disposition of overstaying cargoes is aimed at eliminating port and yard congestion, thereby ensuring smooth flow of business within the agency.
Customs likewise assured the public that it will remain steadfast in its efforts of ensuring unhampered delivery of its services, especially in these trying times that the movement of goods, essentials and non-essentials, is deemed both substantial and critical.