The Port of Batangas boasts an average annual collection of PHP224.0 billion, representing 24.5 percent of the total revenue collection of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), making it the second largest revenue generating port in the country.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto noted as he conducted another round of port inspections, this time at the Port of Batangas, to ensure that the country’s second-largest revenue-generating port remains efficient, transparent, and a strong driver of investor confidence.
From January to end October this year, the port of Batangas has been performing strongly this year with a revenue collection of PHP194.73 billion, 5.53 percent higher than the same period last year.
Handling an average of 133 vessels per month, or about four vessels daily, the Port moves over 1.6 billion metric tons of goods monthly and processes around 374 containers each day, making it one of the busiest and most productive ports in the country.
In August 2025, Batangas was recognized as one of the Top Performing Ports after its actual collection of PHP20.01 billion surpassed the DBCC target of PHP 19.68 billion.
For the month of October, its actual revenue collection of PHP22.96 billion also exceeded its DBCC target by 5.90 percent.
Motor vehicles and oil remain the top revenue drivers of the Port, accounting for over 85 percent of total collections.
Its top importers—Toyota Motor Philippines, Shell Pilipinas, and Unioil Petroleum—together contribute over 38 percent of total revenues, underscoring Batangas’ role as a vital hub for trade and industry. Other importers include Mitsubishi Motors, Ford Group, BYD, Nissan, Suzuki, Chevron, and South Premiere Power Corporation.
“If we’re breaking records today, that’s a good start. But the real records we want to break are corruption, inefficiency, and red tape. And of course, the records we want to set are in revenues — not just hitting, but surpassing our collection targets,” the Finance Chief said.
“We need to work more closely together to build a port system that is cleaner, faster, and more secure—one that not only powers trade, but earns trust, here and abroad. Because trust is what brings in investments, creates jobs, and drives lasting growth,” he added.
This is Secretary Recto’s second major port inspection, following Cebu in September. He highlighted the importance of the inspections, emphasizing that ports are not just gateways for goods, but are the first line of defense for the economy, security, and integrity as a nation.
“With much of that revenue coming from motor vehicles, fuel, and petroleum products, we can say that this is the port that keeps our cars running and our cities powered,” the Finance Chief said.
Secretary Recto expressed optimism about upcoming developments such as the Phase II expansion of the Batangas Container Terminal and the entry of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), which will further cement Batangas as a logistics powerhouse of Southern Luzon.
The Finance Chief also praised the Port of Batangas for its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) initiatives, such as the Marine Traffic App, the ATI Mobile Port App, and the VIN Decoder App, which track vessels in real-time.
In addition, the Port also utilizes a Centralized Dashboard to track collections and cargo, as well as a Doc Tracker, which streamlines document processes.
“For we know that every delay cut, every leak plugged, every peso saved from corruption — is a peso earned for the Filipino people,” Secretary Recto said.
He reaffirmed that the Department of Finance will intensify port inspections nationwide to ensure that reforms and anti-corruption efforts translate into tangible results on the ground.
“Investors don’t just look at our economic data. What matters more is how we move our goods, how we enforce our rules, and how we protect their trust. So, let’s make our ports not just gateways of goods, but gateways of good governance,” he added.
The Finance Chief urged the Port of Batangas to continue leading by example in good governance, efficiency, and service excellence.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel P. Nepomuceno thanked Secretary Recto’s leadership and guidance in steering the transformative efforts in the Bureau.
“To our Secretary of Finance, thank you for your guidance and support. Your leadership gives direction to the Bureau’s ongoing transformation and ensures that our efforts remain aligned with the national fiscal agenda,” he said.
The Commissioner also added that the BOC’s reform efforts are part of its shared commitment to the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
The visit included a facility tour of the Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) and an inspection of imported motor vehicles cleared by the BOC.
