Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has formally conveyed the agency’s comprehensive response to the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) and the U.S. Embassy regarding the 2025 U.S. State Department Investment Climate Statements report.
The report, which identified bribery and corruption as barriers to investment in the Philippines, prompted the BOC’s proactive engagement through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Commissioner Nepomuceno, appointed in July 2025, emphasized in his communication that the current BOC leadership is new and has initiated a sweeping reform agenda even before the release of the U.S. State Department report.
During his first three months in office, the Commissioner introduced institutional reforms and integrity measures to reinforce transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the agency. He stressed that these reforms align directly with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption and professionalize government service.
The Commissioner highlighted several critical initiatives demonstrating the BOC’s commitment to good governance and fair-trade practices:
Tightening of Enforcement Protocols: Implementing stricter guidelines to ensure lawful and consistent customs procedures.
Curbing Arbitrary Actions: Suspending the implementation of Letters of Authorities (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to prevent their arbitrary use by personnel.
Enforcing Ethical Standards: Prohibiting conflicts of interest among personnel and strictly enforcing the Bureau’s “No-Take Policy.”
Adoption of Technology: Integrating technology-driven systems to enhance transparency and minimize opportunities for human intervention and corruption.
Reconvening Dialogue: Re-establishing the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council to serve as a venue for open dialogue with the private sector, foreign chambers, and international partners.
The BOC leadership expressed its intent to engage AmCham and the U.S. Embassy in a direct dialogue. This planned discussion aims to further address the report’s findings, share ongoing anti-corruption initiatives, and explore future cooperation to promote good governance and facilitate legitimate trade.
Commissioner Nepomuceno assured partners that the BOC is addressing the issues raised in the U.S. State Department report through sustained and systemic reforms.
“The Bureau of Customs acknowledges the concerns raised by our international partners and responds with resolve, not resistance,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno. “We have provided information through the proper diplomatic channels to clarify our ongoing reforms and have requested a dialogue with the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy to further strengthen cooperation.”
He concluded, “Under my leadership, the Bureau will be a firm, fair, and transparent institution—one that enforces the law without fear or favor, protects legitimate trade, and upholds the integrity of our nation’s borders and economy.”
