Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Talino-Mendoza has urged the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to expand secure electronic payment options for customs duties and taxes assessed on arriving international passengers as part of efforts to promote convenient, efficient, and digital public service delivery.
In a letter dated August 7 addressed to DOF Acting Secretary Frederick D. Go, with BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno furnished a copy, Mendoza sought clarification and a review of the current payment procedures for customs duties and taxes at international gateways.
Mendoza raised the matter after arriving at Davao International Airport on August 6 aboard Scoot Flight TR534 from Singapore following a short personal trip taken during her approved leave from government service for a scheduled executive medical examination.
Upon arrival, Mendoza said she underwent the standard immigration and customs clearance process and was directed to the Red Lane after customs personnel identified items in her luggage for further inspection.
“I readily cooperated with the inspection, answered all questions truthfully, and presented the items requested for examination,” Mendoza said.
Following the assessment, she said she was informed that a luxury watch she had purchased abroad was subject to customs duties and taxes amounting to approximately P600,000.
“I immediately expressed my willingness to settle the amount,” she said.
However, Mendoza said she was informed that only cash payment was accepted when she offered to settle the assessment using her credit card.
Mendoza affirmed her respect for the government’s authority to collect lawful customs duties and taxes, but encouraged the availability of electronic payment options for high-value transactions to make the process more convenient and efficient.
“It is difficult to expect arriving international passengers to carry substantial amounts of cash, particularly in light of the government’s continuing efforts to promote digitalization and cashless transactions across public services,” she said.
In her letter, Mendoza also asked the DOF and BOC whether cash is currently the only authorized payment method for customs duties and taxes assessed on arriving international passengers.
She also sought clarification on the procedure for passengers who do not have sufficient cash on hand and asked whether international airports have existing or planned facilities that accept credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, or QR-based payments.
Mendoza further asked whether payment facilities available at some ports of entry could be standardized across all international gateways, including Davao International Airport.
She said expanding secure electronic payment options would improve convenience for legitimate travelers, reduce the risks associated with carrying substantial amounts of cash, enhance operational efficiency, and support the government’s digital transformation agenda.
“I respectfully raise this matter not to dispute the lawful collection of customs revenues, but to encourage a review of the current payment process,” Mendoza said.
She expressed hope that the DOF and BOC would consider the initiative an opportunity to further strengthen public service delivery and provide information on existing and planned efforts to modernize customs payment procedures.
Mendoza also said legislative action could be pursued, if necessary, to support the expansion and standardization of electronic payment options for customs duties and taxes.
“Moreover, if this matter requires legislative action, proposing this to Congress is appropriate and timely,” she said.
