Philippines forms inter-agency body against oil smuggling

The Philippine government is forming a multi-agency group that will specifically address oil smuggling, according to Energy Secretary Rene D. Almendras. Initially, the group will include representatives from the Department of Energy, Finance and Justice. From VAT [value added tax] alone, we have been losing Php10 billion (US$225.19 million) a year from oil smuggling, Almendras said. The Bureau of Customs has previously proposed measures to Congress, including strengthening the anti-smuggling provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code. (September 3, 2010)