Pros & Cons - Customs Broker

Summary

The video discusses corruption within the Philippine Bureau of Customs, focusing on the role of customs brokers in illegal activities such as smuggling and bribery. It highlights the government's efforts, including President Duterte’s initiative to remove brokers from the agency’s operations, in an attempt to reduce corruption. Various experts, including customs officials and brokers, weigh in on whether removing brokers would solve the issue or if deeper systemic problems are to blame. The discussion touches on public perception, the technical nature of the brokers' work, and potential reforms.

Takeaways

• 💼 The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has been under scrutiny for persistent corruption, with brokers frequently being blamed for involvement in illegal activities like smuggling and bribery.
• ⚖️ President Duterte aims to remove unscrupulous brokers from the BOC to curb corruption and speed up transactions.
• 📦 The Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines (PC BAPI) defends the role of brokers, emphasizing their importance in handling technical customs processes.
• 🚨 The public often perceives brokers as the main culprits of corruption, but brokers argue that this perception is a misrepresentation of their profession.
• 🔍 Despite efforts to streamline BOC operations, including new technology like x-ray machines, corruption remains a significant issue.
• 👔 Brokers play a technical role in customs administration, including the correct declaration of imported goods’ value and treatment.
• ❓ The question of whether brokers should be removed from the BOC's operations sparks debate, with some proposing to give importers the option to bypass brokers entirely.
• 🔧 The BOC is undergoing modernization efforts, including launching a 10-point priority program aimed at improving trade facilitation and border protection.
• 📊 There is ongoing tension between the government, brokers, and the public regarding the most effective way to eliminate corruption in the BOC.
• 💡 The episode emphasizes that while brokers may not be the sole cause of corruption, their practices are often seen as part of a broader system of misconduct within the BOC.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the video?

The main topic of discussion is whether removing customs brokers from the Bureau of Customs will help reduce corruption in the agency.

What measures has the Bureau of Customs implemented to reduce corruption?

The Bureau of Customs has implemented a 10-point priority program focused on improving trade facilitation, enhancing border protection, and using technology like x-ray machines to reduce corrupt practices.

What role do customs brokers play according to the video?

Customs brokers are responsible for assisting importers and exporters in processing and declaring goods, ensuring accurate valuations, and helping with the technical aspects of customs transactions.

Why are customs brokers being blamed for corruption?

Customs brokers are often blamed for being involved in illegal activities such as smuggling and bribery, which are seen as contributing to corruption within the Bureau of Customs.

What is President Duterte's stance on customs brokers?

President Duterte has expressed a desire to remove customs brokers from the Bureau of Customs' operations as part of efforts to reduce corruption.

How have customs brokers responded to accusations of corruption?

Customs brokers have denied involvement in corrupt acts and maintain that their role is essential for the efficient functioning of customs processes. They argue that corruption exists beyond their profession.

What reforms have been proposed to address corruption in the Bureau of Customs?

Proposals include removing brokers from the Bureau’s operations and allowing importers and exporters to handle their customs declarations directly without needing brokers.

What is the public perception of customs brokers as discussed in the video?

The public perception is largely negative, with many viewing customs brokers as central to the corruption issues within the Bureau of Customs. However, brokers argue that this is a misperception.

What alternative solutions to removing brokers have been suggested?

One suggestion is to offer the option to use brokers but not make their services mandatory, thereby allowing businesses to choose whether to engage with a broker or handle customs procedures independently.

What challenges do customs brokers face in changing the public's view of their profession?

Customs brokers face the challenge of overcoming a long-standing negative image tied to corruption. Even with ongoing reforms and attempts to clean up the system, the perception of brokers being part of the problem remains strong among the public.