Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno joined the DZRH SONA Series 2026 – DOF Review interview, where Department of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go discussed the administration’s fiscal priorities, budget utilization, and revenue performance under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
During the interview, Commissioner Nepomuceno highlighted the BOC’s continuing efforts to strengthen revenue collection, improve compliance, and uphold good governance as part of the government’s broader fiscal program.
“Unang-una, patuloy naming pagbubutihin ang collection. ’Yan ang aming primary mission dahil kailangan ng ating pamahalaan ang pondo, na ginagamit naman ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos para sa ating mga kababayan,” Nepomuceno said.
He emphasized that effective revenue collection must go hand in hand with intensified enforcement against smuggling, noting that illicit trade deprives the government of revenues that could otherwise support public programs and services.
“Kakambal niyan, magagawa natin ito kung patuloy naming pag-iigtingin at palalakasin ang gera namin laban sa mga smugglers. Maasahan ng lahat na tuloy-tuloy naming pipigilan at huhulihin ang mga smugglers,” he added.
Nepomuceno also cited the BOC’s sustained revenue performance, attributing the Bureau’s gains to intensified collection efforts, improved compliance, and the use of data-driven monitoring systems. He noted that the Bureau has consistently worked to meet and surpass its collection targets, contributing to the government’s fiscal objectives and providing additional support for funding essential government programs.
The Commissioner likewise underscored the BOC’s commitment to strengthening accountability and enforcing compliance, including holding violators liable through appropriate legal action.
Secretary Go, for his part, commended the BOC and BIR for the reforms and programs being implemented within the agencies. He also noted a decline in complaints since the current leadership assumed office.
“Ang masasabi ko ay since umupo si Commissioner Charlie, Commissioner Ariel at ako, ay talagang nabawasan ang mga complaints. Talagang maganda ang mga reporma at mga programa na ginawa ng BOC at BIR,” Secretary Go said.
The discussion highlighted the complementary roles of the Department of Finance and its attached agencies in advancing the administration’s fiscal agenda. For the BOC, this includes sustaining revenue collection, strengthening enforcement, promoting compliance, and safeguarding the country’s borders against smuggling and other illicit activities.
Through these efforts, the Bureau continues to support the government’s fiscal objectives and help ensure that revenues due to the government are collected and translated into resources for the Filipino people.
