By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will convene key government agencies and environmental organizations to discuss the handling of alleged electronic waste (e-waste) shipments at the Port of Subic as legal proceedings over the controversial cargo continue.
In a statement released Saturday, the BOC said the coordination meeting aims to clarify the responsibilities of participating agencies, ensure compliance with environmental and customs laws, and identify lawful and practical measures for addressing the issue.
The bureau said the initiative forms part of its continuing efforts to pursue legal remedies involving the disputed shipments, which remain the subject of judicial proceedings and are currently under appeal before the appropriate court through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
Because the case is still pending, Customs officials said they are unable to discuss specific details but stressed that the agency remains actively engaged in the legal process.
Invited to the meeting are representatives from the Office of the Solicitor General, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
The BOC has also invited environmental organizations, including the Basel Action Network, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), and the EcoWaste Coalition, to participate in the discussions.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the meeting is intended to foster transparency and strengthen inter-agency cooperation while the matter remains before the courts.
“While the case is still under judicial review, it is important that all concerned agencies and stakeholders come together to better understand the issues, their respective responsibilities, and the laws and regulations that govern the matter,” Nepomuceno said.
He added that the meeting would help ensure that all government actions are properly coordinated and carried out in accordance with existing laws.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the Bureau of Customs assured the public that operations at the Port of Subic continue without disruption.
The agency said existing customs procedures remain in force and that coordination with partner government agencies continues to uphold environmental protection and regulatory safeguards.
The planned meeting follows allegations by environmental groups that more than 200 container vans of suspected electronic waste, along with one container of plastic waste reportedly originating from the United States, were monitored entering Subic in March.
The alleged shipments have sparked calls from environmental advocates for stricter enforcement of laws governing the importation and disposal of hazardous waste, while the legal battle over the containers continues before the courts.
ia/xf
