Over 700 rice containers unclaimed at Philippine ports, BOC warns of hoarding

Over 700 shipping containers of rice remain unclaimed at various Philippine ports despite being cleared by customs, with some importers deliberately holding shipments until prices spike.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said that 888 containers containing nearly half a million sacks of rice are inside the Manila International Container Terminal and emphasized that these containers may contribute to an artificial rise in rice prices.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) clarified on Saturday that shipment delays are not due to port congestion but rather pending requirements from consignees, with 258 containers at Port of Manila and 630 at the Manila International Container Terminal still awaiting clearance or payment of duties and taxes.

Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa warned importers that deliberate holding of shipments could be considered as hoarding and may lead to legal consequences, while BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio urged consignees to sign requirements needed for release.

At Port of Manila, 237 containers are cleared for release once duties and taxes are paid, with the remaining 21 containers still in the process of being cleared. At the Manila International Container Terminal, 492 containers are cleared for release while 138 have pending payments.

The BOC assured that it will proceed with abandonment proceedings as mandated by law if shipments remain unclaimed after the allowable period and urged consignees to act promptly to avoid further disruptions.