The ECCP fully supports the anti-corruption agenda of the President to create a level playing field that will benefit every Filipino. Together with the Makati Business Club, The ECCP has been spearheading the Integrity Initiative since 2009. The Initiative calls for collective action among ethical foreign and local corporations as well as government agencies with focus on

• Long-term sustainability of short-term gain, 
• Respect for the environment, 
• Adherence to labor laws, 
• Paying fair taxes,
• Anti-bribery
• Anti-smuggling

Unfortunately, rampant smuggling in the country has for many years been left unchecked with no serious sustained effort to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this most serious form of economic sabotage. From rice, vegetables, palm oil, light bulbs, vehicles, refined petroleum products, smuggled goods abound supplying as much as 30% of the local market!

This is one of the major reasons why the country has not been able to attract investment in manufacturing that should create jobs as legitimate local manufacturers cannot compete with smugglers who do not pay the required taxes. 

The ECCP however notes the recently efforts and successes by the Department of Finance and the Department of Justice in addressing smuggling and we are heartened by the pronouncements made by President Aquino and his economic team that the anti-smuggling drive will not only be sustain but intensified. The recent elections has given the Aquino administration a strong affirmation of the public’s support for the anti-corruption agenda of the President and we call on all branches of government to institute lasting reforms that will attract more investments and create more jobs for a truly inclusive growth.

We call on the Executive branch to apprehend and prosecute smugglers and their protectors in government. At the same as plugging loopholes in tax administration, we also call on Customs and BIR to simplify and streamline payment of duties and taxes to reduce the incentive for bribery and smuggling. Use the VAT system to the fullest to detect and apprehend smugglers. We call on Congress to pass the anti-smuggling law and significantly increase the punishment for the crime of smuggling. We call on the Supreme Court to reform the judiciary. Appoint more judges, increase their pay and benefits, discipline erring and corrupt judges. Gains in enforcement and related reforms will all fail if justice is not dispensed with speed, efficiency and fairness. 

The ECCP is one with the government in helping the country escape the vicious cycle of corruption to enable the Philippines top significantly reduce poverty and enable it to reach its full potential.  We truly believe in the President’ statement that “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”

Source: The Philippine Star; News; 6 June 2013