MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is implementing measures to cut down on expenses.
“Charging of personnel cell phones and use of other non-official electrical equipment/appliance shall be strictly prohibited,” Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said in a memorandum dated Nov. 15 but was only released on Monday.
“Lights, air-conditioning units, computer units, and other electrical equipment shall be switched on not earlier than 8:00 am and shall be switched off during lunch break and not later than 5:00 pm except for air-conditioning units which shall be switched off at exactly 4:00 pm,” it added.
Likewise, the BOC chief ordered to disconnect illegal electricity and water connections and limit the use of street/lobby lights at night to what is necessary for safety and security reasons.
He also prohibited washing of cars inside the bureau’s compound and ordered the conduct of a saturation drive in all BOC premises to remove any illegal structures.
Guerrero also suspended the acquisition of motor vehicles, foreign travels and attending conferences but with exemption, among others.
“Foreign travels of government personnel, except those approved by the Office of the President and those associated with scholarships and trainings funded by sponsors other than the government; Attendance to conferences organized by private sector entities where the cost shall be charged to the government,” the Order said.
Included in the exemptions are the conduct of cultural and social celebrations except milestone anniversaries; construction of new office buildings, except those that have been contracted; projects that are encountering implementation issues and incurring significant cost-overruns and other cost-saving measures on the use of office supplies, electricity and other utilities, including communication and other operating expenses.
The memorandum was issued in connection with the Department of Finance Order (DOF) No. 056.2018, directing the heads of its attached agencies to review their proposed CY 2019 budget and recommend possible reduction of certain expenditures.
Customs spokesperson Erastus Sandino Austria said they are complying with the DOF’s order.
“This is in line with the DOF’s thrust to promote fiscal responsibility and implement austerity measures across the board. We just don’t want to be wasteful,” he said in a statement. (PNA)
