Smuggling at seaports probed
A Senate investigation into transportation safety has unveiled serious lapses in seaport security, particularly involving roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminals.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, raised the alarm over how inadequately screened vehicles and cargo may be exploited by criminals to smuggle contraband and stolen vehicles across the country.
During the April 10 hearing, Tulfo warned that the Philippines’ seaports have become vulnerable access points for illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, and even carnapped vehicles due to the absence of proper inspection technology.
“Walang problema doon sa mga passengers,” Tulfo noted. “Ang problema—sa mga sasakyan. Pwede-pwede lusutan ng bomba, droga, explosives. At palagay ko, maging mga carnapped na mga vehicles, madaling itransport.”
Pressed for answers, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) admitted under questioning that most RORO terminals do not have X-ray machines to inspect vehicles and cargo.
Atty. Sheryl DeCosta of the PPA initially cited a security plan that included canines and port police.
However, Tulfo challenged the effectiveness of those measures. “Sorry ma’am, all you’re saying are just words,” Tulfo responded. “I want to be direct to the point. What can the people benefit from to ensure that the vehicles are safe?”
When asked whether X-ray scanners were truly in place, DeCosta hesitated before eventually conceding: “Hindi po, Your Honor. Sorry.”
Another official, Angelus Greg C. Acob of the PPA’s Port Operations Services, confirmed outright: “To be honest po, wala po talaga. Wala pong X-ray.” Tulfo expressed frustration at the passive stance of port officials, particularly their apparent reliance on directives from other agencies.
“So mag-aantay pa kayo kung anong direktiba mula sa OTS?” Tulfo asked incredulously. “You should be proactive, not reactive.”
Despite concerns about the high cost of installing X-ray machines, Tulfo stressed the necessity of investing in these technologies, even if the expense is substantial.
“It might cost 100 million USD or even less, depende sa brand. Mahal yan pero it’s a very important investment,” he said. “Kung magkano mang halaga ng x-ray, it is worth it. It’s going to be worth it.”
Tulfo offered full legislative support, promising to advocate for budget allocations to fund these systems: “Me being your committee chair sa Senate Public Services, I can back you up. I can help you,” he told the PPA officials.
The agency confirmed it had a P1.35 billion budget for 2025—resources that, according to Tulfo, could and should be directed toward national security improvements.
Beyond the smuggling of weapons and drugs, Tulfo also flagged how easily carnapped vehicles can be shipped through ports undetected. Current procedures, according to port officials, only involve manual document checks, such as reviewing a vehicle’s OR-CR.
Tulfo emphasized that this system is vulnerable to fraud.
