QuestionsQuestions (BOC CUSTOMS MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 37-2011)
It provides guidelines and procedures for accrediting Bureau of Customs (BOC) media practitioners to ensure only bona fide media professionals and media organizations can enter BOC premises to cover events.
The Chief of the Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD) is directly responsible for approval/revocation of accreditation.
The Chief, PIAD must submit to the Office of the Commissioner a list of all accredited media practitioners.
Among others: completed application form; for partnerships/corporations, SEC registration documents (SEC registration, articles, by-laws, latest GIS); for sole proprietorships, DTI registration; mayor’s permit; BIR certificate of registration; Publisher’s Association of the Philippines, Inc. certificate of registration; proof of consistent circulation for at least six months; and proof of weekly circulation of at least 3,000 copies.
Completed application form; a letter of assignment on official letterhead of the media organization/publication signed by the publisher or editor-in-chief stating name and duration; BIR identification card; and, depending on medium: print—two articles published within the past month plus a copy of the publication; radio/TV—two recordings within the past month; photographers—original photographs published within the past month plus a copy of the publication.
Applications shall be submitted to the Office of the Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD).
It is a special visitation pass granted to columnists to enter BOC premises and conduct media rounds whenever necessary.
They must provide clear documentation that they are on assignment from a specific news organization/publication, and the issuance of the pass is done through PIAD.
Editorial content must at all times be compliant with the Philippine Journalists Code of Ethics.
A maximum of three (3) media professionals.
It must be strictly enforced, meaning access is not allowed without the proper ID.
To avoid disruption, interviews must be pre-arranged with PIAD.
Loitering within BOC premises without the necessary access pass from PIAD is strictly prohibited.
Accreditation granted pursuant to the Order is non-transferable.
Information the accredited media practitioner obtains by virtue of accreditation will only be used for bona fide news reporting.
BOC may identify areas where access shall be restricted so as not to disrupt operations; accredited practitioners may access restricted areas only with express permission from concerned authorities.
Violation of any guideline; violation of the Philippine Journalists Code of Ethics; use of accreditation privileges in transacting with BOC; willfully allowing another person to use one’s BOC ID; and other similar offenses.
A complaint must be filed with PIAD; it is forwarded to a Grievance Committee (Chief PIAD, Legal Service representative, and Commissioner’s Office representative). The Committee must set the case for hearing within five (5) days from receipt. After due notice and hearing, it renders a decision based on evidence; notice of decision is sent to concerned parties.