The Bureau of Customs (BOC) clarified that the delays in rice shipments are not caused by congestion at Manila ports but by pending requirements that consignees need to fulfill.
This statement was made following concerns that the delays in releasing rice shipments could impact rice prices.
According to the BOC, the rice shipments are ready to be released once the consignees complete their responsibilities.
Currently, 258 shipping containers with rice remain at the Port of Manila, of which 237 have been cleared for release after duties and taxes were paid, while the remaining 21 containers are still being processed following the submission of the Goods Declaration last Friday.
Meanwhile, 630 rice containers remain at the Manila International Container Port. Of these, 492 have been cleared for release, while the remaining 138 are still pending.
The BOC emphasized that no rice shipments have exceeded the 30-day containment period at the ports, beyond which the containers would be declared abandoned by the agency.