Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
Section 1408. Unloading of Cargo Before Arrival at Port of Entry. - If, upon the arrival within the limits of any Customs District of the Philippines of any vessel or aircraft engaged in foreign trade, the master or pilot-in-command thereof permits any part of the cargo to be unloaded before arrival at the port of entry, and without authority from a proper customs officer, the owner, operator, or agent of such vessel or aircraft shall he liable for a fine of not less five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than two million pesos (P2,000,000.00): Provided, That no fine shall accrue upon satisfactory proof to the proper District Collector that the unloading was rendered necessary by stress of weather, accident or other necessity: Provided, however, That the fine imposed herein shall be without prejudice to the application of fines or penalties provided under Section 1401 of this Act.