The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported a significant revenue increase for the past year, generating P931.046 billion, a P40 billion jump from the P890.446 billion collected in 2023. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded this achievement during the BOC’s 123rd-anniversary celebration on Friday, emphasizing the crucial role of revenue collection in national development.
“With efficient tariff collection at our ports, travel for our citizens becomes faster, our children have adequate learning resources, and more of our youth can graduate from college,” President Marcos stated, highlighting the direct impact of BOC’s performance on education, infrastructure, and other vital projects.
Beyond revenue collection, the President commended the BOC’s efforts in border protection, citing the seizure of over P85.167 billion worth of smuggled goods last year. This figure represents a near doubling of the P43.295 billion seized in 2023, demonstrating the BOC’s intensified crackdown on illicit trade.
President Marcos urged BOC officials and personnel to prioritize public interest, operate with integrity, and ensure the welfare of Filipinos. He stressed that building public trust in the BOC is essential for fostering greater tax compliance.
He also congratulated the recipients of the BOC Leadership Awards for their outstanding contributions to the agency and the administration’s goals. Expressing optimism for their continued success, the President envisioned them leading the bureau into a new era marked by efficiency and integrity.
“This is the kind of leadership that Filipino citizens require and deserve,” President Marcos declared. “So, we celebrate the BOC’s 123rd anniversary today with a challenge that involves everyone.”
He concluded with a direct appeal to BOC personnel: “To all officials, inspectors, and employees of the BOC: Always prioritize the welfare of our nation. Perform your duties with utmost integrity and compassion for your fellow Filipinos.”
