The Bureau of Customs donated 4,000 metric tons (80,000 bags) of forfeited Thailand white sugar to the Department of Agriculture on Tuesday.
The donated sugar arrived at the Port of Batangas on Jan. 12, 2023 on board M/V Sunward without the required notice of arrival.
Consequently, the Port of Batangas immediately issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the subject sugar and the vessel which were later ordered forfeited in favor of the government on April 14, 2023.
Under the Sugar Regulatory Administration Memorandum Circular No. 4. seized sugar with commercial value and capable of legitimate use may be disposed of by the Bureau of Customs through a donation to government institutions.
On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Finance approved the proposed donation of the 4,000 MT refined sugar to the DA.
The deed of donation and acceptance was signed by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and DA senior undersecretary Domingo Panganiban yesterday.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the DOF, DA, and SRA for your invaluable contributions, guidance, and unwavering support to BOC, which made this donation possible,” Rubio said.
Rubio said through DA, the donation will reach various local communities and enable several individuals to conveniently access sugar.
