The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has proposed a number of measures that would curb smuggling in the country, including the revival of pre-shipment and data sharing.
Ernesto Perez, ARTA director-general, said he met last week with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to explore steps that would address illegal trade.
A farmers group had proposed the revival of pre-shipment inspection to address undervaluation and misdeclaration of agricultural goods.
The scheme, where the goods are checked at the port of origin before being exported, was implemented in the 1990s in the Philippines. It was terminated in 2000.
According to Perez, a responsible data sharing mechanism among concerned government agencies will be a big deterrent in eliminating smuggling.
He said the government is also streamlining and digitalization government processes, particularly in the agriculture to provide effective and efficient service delivery. – Irma Isip
