The Evolution of Customs Service and Smuggling in the Philippines

The Evolution of Customs Service and Smuggling in the Philippines

• The Enforcement and Security Services (ESS) or Customs Police are essential in managing customs and stopping smuggling.
• Smuggling has been a significant problem since the 12th century, with Tom being a notorious smuggler specializing in alcohol.
• Smuggling is still a significant problem for developing nations and is frequently linked to unethical behavior.
• The Philippines had a rudimentary customs administration in place before the arrival of Mid-Eastern and European expeditions.
• The country was ruled by barangay leaders called "Datu" and "Rajah", and the customs administration began to develop as trading became more prevalent.
• Formal regulations and policies were implemented to manage trade, with various government agencies taking charge of enforcing customs laws and regulations to collect taxes and safeguard national interests.
• The country's taxing structure was changed to a tariff system in the 1500s, leading to the development of smuggling in the nation.
• The Philippine Commission passed the Tariff Revision Law in 1901, with subsequent Customs Service Acts leading up to Act No. 355, which created the Philippine Customs Service in 1902.
• The evolution of the Philippine customs service in the early 20th century was a gradual process, marked by multiple acts and regulations aimed at addressing problems in trade and smuggling that arose during this transitional period.
• The establishment of the Customs police was necessitated due to the negative impact caused by smuggling on the government's revenue collection efforts.
• The Harbor Police was the first Bureau of Customs (BOC) branch with a stated role for enforcing customs laws, established in 1902, and underwent a restructuring in 1947 and was renamed the Customs Patrol Service.
• The Customs Patrol Service was given new responsibilities by Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 225 in 1957, and they also gained control of the launch service, responsible for sea patrol.