MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) has approved the donation of 1,251.68 liters of seized gasoline to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to support its maritime safety and security operations, the agency announced Thursday.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto signed off on the donation, which was forfeited by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for violating fuel marking regulations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The gasoline, confiscated as part of anti-smuggling efforts, was found to be non-compliant with the fuel marking program mandated by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act. Fuel marking ensures that only tax-paid petroleum products are sold in the domestic market.

Under Section 1141 of the CMTA, goods subject to forfeiture may be donated to another government agency with the Finance Secretary’s approval.

“This donation not only shows our commitment to bolstering our defense sector, but is a clear warning to all businesses that any illicit act will not go unpunished,” Recto said.

“Hinding hindi namin palalampasin ang anumang panlalamang at iligal na gawain,” he added.

The DOF emphasized that the move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on smuggling while maximizing government resources to support frontline agencies such as the PCG in safeguarding Philippine waters. (PNA)