Bela Padilla Charged ₱4,600 Instead of ₱1,650, BOC Explains
BOC – The Bureau of Customs has issued an apology to actress Bela Padilla after she publicly complained about being overcharged with import duties on an online purchase.
Padilla earlier shared on social media that she was billed ₱4,600 for an ₱11,000 shipment, even though the BOC’s own online tax calculator had estimated her duties at only ₱1,650. The large discrepancy sparked frustration not only from the actress but also from the public, who questioned the reliability of the agency’s system.
In response, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno admitted that the calculator was inaccurate and incomplete. He explained that the tool failed to include certain charges, such as freight costs and documentary stamps, which should have been part of the computation. Because of these errors, the calculator was inconsistent and misleading.
Nepomuceno personally apologized to Padilla and to the public, acknowledging that such experiences create confusion and erode trust in the agency. He clarified, however, that there was no foul play involved in the charges, only shortcomings in the online tool. He emphasized that any customer in Padilla’s situation would understandably feel upset and suspicious given the flawed computation.
“May mga kulang na items na dapat idagdag pala…’Yung calculator, hindi consistent. Pinapa-take down na natin ngayon,” BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said. “May ibang items na hindi kasama sa calculator. Magagalit naman talaga, kahit hindi si Ms. Bela. Magdududa talaga. Mali naman ‘yung computation kaya pagdududahan. ‘Yung calculator, may kulang,” he added.
The commissioner confirmed that the calculator has since been taken down to prevent further issues. He also gave assurance that the BOC is working on system improvements to make tax and duty computations more transparent, accurate, and consistent.
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