Philippines intensifies anti-smuggling fight

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the country’s government agencies to step up the fight against “rampant smuggling” in the country, the presidential communications office (PCO) announced on January 15.
Philippines intensifies anti-smuggling fight ảnh 1Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the country’s government agencies to step up the fight against “rampant smuggling” in the country (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - PhilippinePresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the country’s government agencies tostep up the fight against “rampant smuggling” in the country, the presidential communications office (PCO) announced on January 15.

In a statement, the PCO said Marcos wants reform in the bureaucracy to curbsmuggling, lower logistics costs, and ensure ease of doing business as hisadministration works to prop up investments and business activity in thecountry.

During a recent meeting, Marcos said thatgovernment agencies must do something particularly to address rampantsmuggling.

He noted the country’s functional systems haveproven quite ineffective and it’s necessary to introduce more suitableadjustments.

The leader also said issues on the ease of doing business and the inefficiency of thecountry’s airports and seaports are the major complaints that he is receivingfrom the business sector.

Marcos urged concerned agencies to be more innovative, stressingthe government has to delineate functions or establish new agencies ifnecessary./.

VNA

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