Under the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) concluded 2025 with significant milestones in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and national security. Despite global economic shifts, the Bureau has reinforced its position as a cornerstone of Philippine economic stability through modernization and integrity-based reforms.
Preliminary data for January to December 2025 reveal that the BOC collected approximately ₱934.400 billion, marking a 1.9% increase (₱17.726 billion) over the 2024 fiscal year.
This growth is particularly notable given the year’s economic headwinds, including:
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Lower overall import volumes.
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The strategic suspension of rice importation.
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Fluctuating global commodity prices.
The Bureau attributes this resilience to the expanded use of digital systems, strengthened compliance measures, and heightened operational efficiency.
In 2025, the BOC intensified its crackdown on the entry of prohibited and undervalued goods. Through 1,024 enforcement operations, the Bureau seized smuggled items valued at an estimated ₱61.707 billion.
Key drivers of this success included:
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Non-Intrusive Technology: Expanded use of advanced X-ray and inspection tools to facilitate trade without compromising security.
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Intelligence Coordination: Enhanced risk profiling and deeper collaboration with local and international law enforcement agencies.
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Warehouse Oversight: Improved monitoring of bonded warehouses to ensure strict regulatory compliance.
Central to the Bureau’s 2025 strategy was a commitment to transparency and good governance. Several landmark initiatives were launched to eliminate corruption and improve service delivery:
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Strict Accountability: Enforcement of the “No Take” policy and the issuance of an Anti-Conflict of Interest directive.
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Public Access: Launch of the “Isumbong kay Commissioner” online portal and the establishment of the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center.
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Digital Tools: Rollout of the enhanced BOC Tax Estimator and a revised Citizens’ Charter to simplify processes for the public.
The Bureau’s transformation has earned formal support from major industry players, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI). Commendations were also received from the Makati Business Club and various international chambers, signaling high private-sector confidence in the BOC’s current trajectory. “2025 was more than numbers—it was a year that showed the BOC can transform, proving that integrity and service are values we put into action every day,” said Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno. “As we step into 2026, our mission is clear: to make the Bureau faster, more transparent, and genuinely reliable for every Filipino.”
The BOC enters the new year focused on deepening digital integration, fostering public-private partnerships, and sustaining the momentum of its institutional reforms to further enhance national competitiveness.
