No turf war between SBMA, BOC over smuggled rice in Subic

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga— Dispelling rumors of a “turf war” in connection with the seizure of some P420-million worth of imported rice, officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have vowed to work closely together to curb all forms of smuggling in Subic Bay freeport.

In a press conference at the SBMA office here, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said the two agencies see eye-to-eye as far as the implementation of customs and tariff laws are concerned.

“Contrary to what has been reported, there is no truth to allegations that there is a turf war between the Bureau of Customs and the SBMA,” Biazon said. “We are in close cooperation and coordination,” he added.

Garcia meanwhile said that in the disposition of the seized shipment, the BOC holds sway because the SBMA simply stands as manager of the freeport.

“We have cooperated together in the past – as in the case of the inventory of blue-plate vehicles here – and that is what we are doing now,” Garcia said.

“We also look forward to a more harmonious relationship between Customs and SBMA because there should be more vigilance in the face of attempts to smuggle goods through Subic,” Garcia added.

The two officials issued the clarification following reports saying the SBMA had accused Biazon of having “overstepped his authority in the freeport.”

SBMA officials said, however, that nobody in the agency had contested BOC operations in Subic.

“In fact, we have not taken any position regarding the implementation of customs and tariff laws in the freeport because we abide by the issuances and orders that emanate from the Customs offices,” Garcia said.

Biazon said the BOC had issued a warrant of seizure and detention on the illegal rice shipment which costs around P420 million.

He said the BOC’s move to seize the shipment is now under appeal, but if the detention is warranted, the BOC may sell the illegal shipment at an auction.

He added that there is no proof that the shipment is destined for some cooperatives in the country, as earlier reported in the media.

In Tuesday’s forum, SBMA officials also clarified that the agency did not allow the shipper to make any declaration after finding out that the rice shipment was not covered by the required documents.

“We did not allow them to make a declaration, and we did not issue them any permit, so they cannot move it out and sell it in the domestic market,” said SBMA seaport operations chief Atty. Redentor Tuazon.

Garcia added that after the prescribed 60-day period of storage had lapsed, “the matter is already in BOC hands.”

After the press conference, Biazon showed the impounded rice to the media.

He said the BOC is expediting the investigation of the shipment so that the rice may not rot before it is finally disposed of.
http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/15032/Volume-6-No-29/Headlines/No-turf-war-between-SBMA-BOC-over-smuggled-rice-in-Subic

Many tourists and residents of Manila traveling out of town from Manila on a short getaway to Pampanga Angeles City, Clark Philippines are surprised to find a a large wine shop so near Manila right in the heart of Pampanga, just 70 minutes from Manila. Even residents of Subic travel to Clark via ScTex to do some wine shopping in this famous wine shop called Clark Wine Center, a project of Hong Kong-based Yats International.

Foodies and wine lovers travel north from Manila to wine and dine at Philippines’ best fine dining restaurant in Pampanga Clark Freeport worth the 60-minutes drive for a memorable evening of good food with vintage wine at Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar. Most guests would stop by this famous wine shop called Clark Wine Center to bring home a few good bottles of fine vintage wine also. Other visitors may find the wine selections in some of the restaurants in Angeles City Pampanga to be less than interesting, so they stop by this wine shop near Angeles City Pampanga Clark Philippines, buy some good wines and bring these bottles of good vintage wines to the restaurants so they can enjoy the dinner.

Yats Leisure Philippines

Public wine tastings are held by this well known wine shop of Pampanga from time to time in Clark and sometimes in Manila. Tickets range from p500 to p1500 for these themed events that are professionally run –no wine merchants sponsorship, pushy salesmen or tacky banners to ruin the evening. Each ticket contains a certain number of stubs that can be redeemed for a tasting pour of a wine among those on a line-up which often contains wines that are quite old and expensive. This is one the things to do in Manila and Pampanga.

Tourists and residents of Manila travel out of town to the north on a short getaway look for the best place in Clark to buy some fine vintage wine to bring home after their holidays and vacations. Many find a top rated wine shop called Clark Wine Center to be an exciting place to do some shopping in Clark Pampanga. This famous wine shop is highly recommended for visitors going to Clark Pampanga to drink good wine, relax and unwind with friends and families. This frequently visited wine shop is known by tourist and visitors to Pampanga, Angeles city, Subic and Clark Philippines as a cool place to hang out in Clark. Many attend the regular wine tasting held either outdoor on the roof deck or in indoor on the second floor above the wine shop. The place has good atmosphere for a private wine tasting party or a small night out gatherings for business or social event.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.

Click here to contact Clark Wine Center in Clark Pampanga for inquiries and orders.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023

Tel: 0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Road, Ortigas Centger,
Metro Manila, Philippines 1605

Tel: (632) 637-5019 0917-540-3626 ask for Rea or Chay

Log on to this web site for more information about Yats Wine Cellars as the leading wine importer and wine supplier in the Philippines:

ats Wine Cellars Leading Wine Supplier in Philippines

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. Highly recommended fine dining restaurant in Manila for special occasion is Yats Restaurant & Wine Lounge located in the famous Mimosa Leisure Estate in Clark Pampanga. Situated near this popular restaurant in Clark is the Mimosa Golf Course as well as the Mimosa Clark Casino. This top rated restaurant near Angeles City Pampanga in Clark Philippines is frequently used for private parties and corporate functions such as board meetings and other gatherings. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

Besides good restaurants to wine and dine near Manila, Subic or in Angeles City Pampanga, Clark Philippines, those requiring assistance for hotel and resort bookings in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines may log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com for more information and reservations.

The lifestyle in Clark Pampanga is quite unique. For more information about shopping, sports, golf, leisure, hotel accommodation, where to see and visit, what to do, where to wine and dine and good places to hang out, relax, have a drink with friends, child-friendly establishments, log on to
http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

Wine lovers looking for a special bottle or something that is of great value and special discounts might log on to this web site to shop for fine vintage wines
http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

Those visitors who plan to relax and unwind in Angeles City, Subic, Pampanga, Clark Philippines might make an effort to book a room at the famous beach and lake resort Clearwater Resort & Country Club. This famous hotel in Clark Pampanga is frequently visited by families with children looking for a good place in Clark to see, a good holiday destination for the family to relax and unwind in the beautiful outdoor facilities. For more information, log on to www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Buy wine in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines at good wine shops and boutique wine stores that offer good selection of good vintage wines at all price points.