Raffy Tulfo slams BOC’s accreditation unit over ₱100K broker approval

Senator Raffy Tulfo called on the new Bureau of Customs (BOC) leadership to overhaul the agency, focusing on the accreditation unit, which is responsible for vetting and approving brokers involved in the country’s agricultural import and export activities. Tulfo recently shed light on a corruption scheme within the BOC’s accreditation unit during a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing on Monday, Sept. 1. According to Tulfo, personnel from the unit allegedly received ₱100,000 in under-the-table payments to approve bogus broker applications. “It’s about time maglinis kayo sa accreditation unit ng Bureau of Customs (BOC), napaka-corrupt ng mga ‘yan” he said. “Kaya maraming nakakalusot na smuggler ng agricultural products dahil karamihan ng brokers na nagpapa-accredit sa Customs ay nagbibigay lang ng ₱100K. Tapos ang gagamitin nila, mga taong dummy – minsan pangalan ng drayber, bodegero o kasambahay nila,” he added. Tulfo further alleged that some accredited brokerages have provided fake company addresses, citing absurd examples such as the base of an acacia tree or other random locations. Newly appointed Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno assured the senator that the agency will closely look into these practices and take the necessary measures to weed out corrupt personnel. Tulfo also recommended that Customs implement a face-to-face application system for brokers, requiring them to present proper documents such as proof of sufficient capital and valid licenses to ensure they are genuinely qualified.