MANILA, Philippines – Hinamon ni Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla ang Bureau of Customs (BOC) na makipag-ugnayan sa Office of the Ombudsman sa data sharing, at iginiit na ang kakulangan ng kooperasyon ay maaaring magresulta sa pagkaantala o pagkabasura ng mga reklamo.
Ayon kay Remulla, may mga pagkakataong hindi agad naibibigay ng BOC ang mga dokumentong hinihingi ng Ombudsman para sa imbestigasyon at pagsasampa ng kaso.
“The problem always with Customs is that they don’t want to complete the documentation so the case can be dismissed,” ani Remulla sa isang radio dzRH program nitong weekend.
“As we file the case or investigate it, when we ask for the document [from BOC], the document does not come,” dagdag niya. “There is no data sharing.”
Sinabi ni Remulla na nakipagkasundo na ang Department of Budget and Management (DBM) sa Ombudsman para sa data sharing, kabilang ang direktang access ng anti-graft body sa government procurement records.
“At least the DBM allowed data sharing, this time, we are now challenging the Customs,” ani Remulla.
Bilang tugon, sinabi ng BOC nitong Lunes na nakahanda itong makipagtulungan sa Ombudsman sa mga “lawful” na kahilingan para sa impormasyon bilang bahagi ng kampanya laban sa smuggling.
“The Bureau continuously supports lawful requests for information and is strengthening its systems and processes to further improve cooperation and data sharing, in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” pahayag ng BOC.
“The BOC reaffirms its commitment to transparency, cooperation, and whole-of-government action, and will continue to provide the necessary support to partner agencies to protect government revenues, strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, and serve the best interests of the Filipino people.” RNT/MDS
