The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued a new directive, Memorandum No. 39-2025, requiring all officials, employees, and personnel to disclose any personal or familial connections to the customs brokerage industry. This move is part of the BOC’s commitment to strengthening integrity and transparency in government service, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The memorandum, signed by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno on September 9, 2025, mandates that all BOC personnel submit an affidavit. This document must either declare the absence of any business or familial relationships with those in the customs brokerage profession or fully disclose any such existing ties.
This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that all public servants at the BOC perform their duties without undue influence. The directive is consistent with the Revised Civil Service Rules and Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which prohibits engaging in private business that may interfere with official duties.
“This directive is meant to protect the integrity of our service and ensure that our officials and personnel remain free from any conflict of interest in the performance of their duties,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno.
All BOC personnel are required to submit their disclosure forms within ten days of the directive’s publication or posting. The requirement also applies to newly-appointed personnel, those who acquire ownership in a customs brokerage firm, or any other similar circumstances, such as marriage to an individual engaged in customs brokerage.
