The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has formally filed a complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Makati Express Cargo Incorporated for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in connection with hundreds of undelivered balikbayan boxes.
Makati Express is among the 11 companies being investigated over the issue of stranded balikbayan boxes that affected many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
During a press conference at the DOJ, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said Makati Express was the first company charged because it had the highest number of abandoned containers. Out of the 147 stalled containers recorded by the BOC, 117 were reportedly linked to the company.
Nepomuceno said the agency conducted a thorough investigation and gathered sufficient evidence to ensure that the case would stand in court.
“Una lang ito, mayroong 11 kompanya ang mayroong atraso sa bansa at sa ating mga kababayan. Out of these 11 companies, inuna natin itong isa,” Nepomuceno said.
He added that the BOC is preparing to file charges against eight more companies within June, with the help of the bureau’s legal team.
Meanwhile, affected OFWs are also expected to file separate complaints for large-scale estafa with cybercrime against the company.
The BOC earlier took direct action to facilitate the release and delivery of several remaining balikbayan boxes after deconsolidators allegedly abandoned them.
In the complaint, the bureau said it aims to hold Makati Express accountable under the law and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
