Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 142)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 142 is to amend Sections 18 and 19 of the Philippine Tariff Act of August 5, 1909, particularly regarding the verification and declaration requirements for invoices of merchandise imported into the Philippines.
Invoices must be produced to the consular officer of the Philippines in the consular district where the merchandise was manufactured, purchased, or shipped from, at or before the shipment of the merchandise.
The declaration must be signed by the purchaser, manufacturer, seller, owner, or agent, affirming that the invoice is true and correct, made at the place of export, contains a full statement of the date, place, seller, and actual cost or market value of the merchandise, all charges included, and that no false or different invoice exists.
When the merchandise is obtained by any other means than purchase or an agreement to purchase, the declaration must state the actual market value or wholesale price at the time of exportation from the principal markets of the exporting country.
The declaration must state that the amount shown is the actual amount paid or the price that the shipper would have received or was willing to receive, and that the currency stated is the currency of the purchase or usual transaction currency.
Consular officers must report to the Insular Collector of Customs, through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, any knowledge or information of fraudulent practices in obtaining verification of invoices that may defraud Philippine revenue.
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 14, 1947.
This is a provision to prevent fraud by ensuring that duplicate or varying invoices which could be used to evade duties or taxes are not issued.
They must report such cases to the Insular Collector of Customs through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
It amends the Philippine Tariff Act of August 5, 1909, as amended by Act Numbered 434 and continued by Republic Act Numbered 3, effective from July 4, 1946.