By EJ Roque/PNA
MANILA – The government will ‘vigorously’ implement the fuel marking program to combat smuggling of petroleum products in the country, a Department of Finance (DOF) official said on Wednesday.
“For those who are smuggling or even thinking of smuggling fuel, please know that we will implement the Fuel Marking Program vigorously,” DOF Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino said during the weekly economic briefing in Malacañang.
Lambino said smuggling is costing the government at least PHP40 billion in revenues every year.
“Ang pondong ito ay magagamit natin sa ating mas lumalawak na mga programa gaya ng healthcare, education at imprastraktura (These funds can be used for our healthcare, education and infrastructure programs),” he said.
Lambino said fuel marking will also increase revenue, protect the environment and engine performance.
He said smuggled fuel is bad for engines and the environment due to its low quality and emission levels.
“It’s (fuel marking program) good for the environment, it’s good for the consumer and it’s also good for the government revenue effort that is being invested in our infrastructure, education and health care programs,” he said.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ted Raval said random field testing will be conducted by the joint team of the BOC and Bureau Internal Revenue (BIR) beginning next month.
“So in a nutshell, imported and refined gasoline, diesel and kerosene are now mandated to be marked with the official fuel marker,” Raval said.
He said ‘detailed guidelines’ on the fuel marking are now being finalized by the BOC, BIR and DOF and “are subject to further consultation with the oil industry”.
“While the program aims to curb oil smuggling and increase revenue collection, it has been the policy to consider a seamless and efficient implementation which will be advantageous to both the government and the stakeholders,” he added.
