The Bureau of Customs reported a PHP86.4 billion collection in April—its highest-ever April performance—bringing the agency’s total collections for the first four months of the year to PHP325.808 billion, the highest in the same period for the past 10 years.
The April collection surpassed both its target of PHP78.600 billion by 9.9 percent and the PHP84.4 billion collection the previous month. While the January-April total collection, exceeded the agency’s PHP314.660-billion goal for the period, and higher by 6.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
“This is our highest year-to-date surplus on record for the last 10 years, and it reflects the discipline, integrity, and consistency of our personnel across all ports. Even in the face of global uncertainties and policy shifts that affect our revenue base, we continue to deliver results that directly support government programs and national development,” Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said.
The sustained revenue performance and strong start support its trillion-peso collection goal for entire 2026, he said.
Nepomuceno also said that the milestone collection underscores the Bureau’s sustained revenue strength despite prevailing external challenges affecting global and domestic trade, including the economic impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the implementation of a three-month suspension or reduction of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene beginning April 2026, which directly affected revenue streams.
Under the leadership of the Department of Finance led by Secretary Frederick D. Go and in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen fiscal performance, the BOC continues to pursue reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation.
Nepomuceno emphasized the significance of the record-breaking performance, attributing it to the collective efforts of the agency.
The BOC’s sustained performance is driven by strengthened valuation practices, improved monitoring systems, and continued digitalization of customs processes, anchored on Commissioner Nepomuceno’s push for good governance under the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) program.
