The Bureau of Customs (BOC) earned P375.796 million from public auctions of 656 containers by its various collection districts.
The containers were part of 1,317 overstaying boxes, either seized or abandoned, recorded since January 2020 and have been disposed through various means, BOC said in a statement.
Of the 1,317 overstaying containers, 427 were condemned and 234 donated, according to BOC’s Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group.
BOC noted that under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 10-2020, overstaying cargoes for more than 30 days from the date of discharge not withdrawn within the specified period of time will be tagged abandoned.
READ: BOC issues abandonment procedures during ECQ
CMO 10-2020 covers the implementation of summary abandonment proceedings in all collection districts during the period of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The order implements Joint Administrative Order No. 20-01, which was signed on April 2 and adopts processes that expedite the release of refrigerated containers and dry cargoes from the ports during the period of ECQ.
Under Section 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, goods subject to disposition may be donated, declared for official use by BOC, or sold at public auction. Goods suitable for shelter, or consisting of foodstuffs, clothing materials, or medicines may be donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
