Customs files complaint against sugar traders

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed a complaint against three sugar traders for allegedly violating customs laws.

The BOC did not disclose their identities. However, one of them is an importer and Customs broker who illegally imported 13 containers of refined sugar from the Manila International Container Port.

Meanwhile, another importer including its Customs broker also faces a complaint after al-

BCDA, JICA ink deal on promoting transport-oriented developments

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Thursday bared it has signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in promoting transport-oriented developments (TODs), particularly in two BCDA properties where there are major railway projects.

In a statement, it said BCDA president and chief executive officer Aileen Zosa and JICA Philippines chief representative Sakamoto Takema signed the Record of Discussions for the Capacity Enhancement for the TOD Project last March 21.

lessening the reliance on private vehicles.

Under the agreement, the JICA will provide technical assistance to BCDA in planning and implementing the TODs involving the PHP500-billion Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and the PHP800-billion North-South Commuter Railway, which will traverse BCDA properties Fort Bonifacio and New Clark City, respectively.

Japan is also funding the two railway projects.

legedly allowing 58 containers of refined sugar into the Subic Port.

The BOC said the filed complaints were in addition to the 45 criminal complaints filed against instances of smuggling and customs fraud.

TOD is part of urban planning that aims to maximize the use of land in an area by creating compact, high-density mixed-use development that features office, housing and retail areas, green and public spaces, as well as quality public transit.

As it promotes the use of efficient public transportation, TOD can help in reducing energy usage and carbon emissions by cutting down the need to travel and

“Our sincerest appreciation to JICA for its strong, unwavering support to the Philippines and for this TOD capacity enhancement project, which will help BCDA learn from Japan’s experience in efficient, fast, and reliable transportation system as well as gain more insights on urban development,” Zosa said.

The BCDA will be leading in the development of the TODs in and around the four subways stations —Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the proposed Senate-Department of