Ombudsman to sign data-sharing deal with Customs in November

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman is set to sign a data-sharing agreement with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in November, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Saturday.

In his radio program Executive Session on DZRH, Remulla said the agreement would give the anti-graft body access to Customs data and records.

“Itong November, we’ll be signing a MOA (memorandum of agreement) na with Customs, data sharing na. Customs, first time ‘yan mangyayari,” he said.

Remulla had earlier called on the BOC to improve data sharing, citing documentation issues within the bureau.

The Ombudsman said the agency was working to curb smuggling but recalled an instance when documents requested from the BOC were not provided.

The planned agreement is part of the Ombudsman’s efforts to strengthen coordination with government agencies and improve access to records for its investigations.

The anti-graft body has also signed a data-sharing agreement with the Department of Budget and Management–Procurement Service.