Car makers urge govt to keep drive vs. car smuggling

THE Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. pressed the government yesterday to sustain its anti-smuggling operations as it lauded the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group for seizing P1 billion worth of used vehicles in Davao City recently.

Campi president Elizabeth Lee said the anti-smuggling group’s operation helped ensure the survival of the local auto industry and preserve the jobs of 77,000 workers employed by car assemblers.

She said 2004 statistics showed the ratio of new registrations were 61 to 39 in favor of the informal sector. It has now been reversed to 70 to 30 in favor of the formal sector, based on 2008 figures of the Land Transportation Office.

“[But] we must not rest on our laurels especially during tough economic times,” Lee said. “Sustained implementation of the prohibition of imported second-hand vehicles is all the more critical in protecting local auto jobs. It is also key to enticing additional investments in the local assembly. Used imports are the reason for the diversion of auto investments to other Asean countries.”

“More so these days, under the uncertain economic climate, every job saved counts much. The impact down the line is significant,” she added.

The anti-smuggling group, led by Undersecretary Antonio Villar, seized the vehicles based on a Supreme Court decision upholding the prohibition on imported used vehicles under Executive Order No. 156. –Elaine R. Alanguilan, Manila Standard Today