|
THE
Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) believes
smuggling has a face for each industry.
Taking
this cue from the FPI, the Presidential Antismuggling
Group (PASG) has started deputizing domestic industry
groups so the agency could shift its drive against
smuggling to a more focused and effective “by-industry
campaign.”
Antonio
Villar, PASG head, signed separate memorandum of
agreement (MOA) with eight industry associations during
the Annual General Assembly meeting of the FPI over the
weekend deputizing them in the fight against smuggling,
which has been causing the government at least P100
billion in annual revenues.
Those
that signed the MOA with PASG are the Association of
Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines, Cement
Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Flat Glass
Alliance of the Philippines, G.I. Wires Manufacturers
Association of the Philippines, Philippine Steel
Rolling Mills Association, Philippine Pulp and Paper
Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Steel
Angles Shapes and Section Manufacturers Association of
the Philippines and Textile Producers Association of the
Philippines Inc.
Jesus
Arranza, FPI president, said at least 10 more industry
groups will be following soon.
He said
fighting smuggling by industry basis has been proven
effective by the partnership forged earlier by the PASG,
the FPI and the sugar industry.
“Smuggling has different modes per industry so the PASG
should know each industry by heart,” Arranza said.
For
example, Arranza said, the smugglers in particular
sectors have their favorite ports of destination and
bonded warehouses.
They
also know which raw materials, components or finished
products the local manufacturers are most vulnerable to
smuggling.
By
deputizing the local manufacturers, Arranza said each
industry group will establish better rapport and
exchange of information with the PASG.
He said
the industry groups can detail a representative to the
PASG. The antismuggling agency, on the other hand, will
be visiting the manufacturers’ plants so it could know
fully their operations and how they are being affected
by smuggling.
Also, by
deputizing them, the industry can now check the
warehouses where smuggled goods could be stashed and do
spy works for the PASG.
Arranza
said the country’s loss is not just limited to the
estimated P100 billion in foregone duties and taxes
yearly due to smuggling.
He said
the taxes being paid by the domestic manufacturers are
also getting diminished every time they are forced to
downsize due to cutthroat competition with smuggled
goods.
“And
dying industries also mean workers losing their jobs.
This is more than just a double-whammy,” Arranza said. |
