A high-ranking opposition lawmaker yesterday hit the alleged irregularity at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) which defrauds the government of at least P1 billion in revenues by lowering the price of rice importation of the private sector.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay made this statement after receiving reliable information about the 186,000 metric tons (MT) or 3,600,000 sacks of rice that have been imported from different countries like Pakistan and Vietnam recently.

Magsaysay said the private sector has been importing “broken rice” which they declare its purchase to U.S. $110 per MT while the world market values it to $380 per MT.

But when the National Food Authority (NFA) is the one doing the purchase of broken rice in the United States (U.S.), she said the price is $465 per MT.

“Lugi tayo dahil imbes na $380 ang papatawan ng 40% na customs duties, sa $110 na lang maniningil ang BOC ng customs duties. Ang laki ng mawawala sa government,” Magsaysay stressed.

According to Magsaysay’s estimate, she said between $20 million to $23 million worth of customs duties have been purportedly lost to 180,000 MT or 3,600,000 sacks of rice that the private sector imported.

She said this scheme which is causing P1 billion in lost revenues will be investigated by the House of Representatives.

“Kaya pala bumababa ang tax collection dahil sa ganyang sistema. P-Noy should know this,” said Magsaysay, saying this situation is contrary to the straight path of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The opposition lawmaker asked Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon to submit before Congress all documents pertaining to the minimum access volume (MAV) program last year which will expire at the end of February 2012.

“Tingnan natin kung lahat ng customs duties na siningil ng BOC ay based sa $110 at hindi sa $380. Sayang ang tax na nawala o mawawala,” she said.