The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has posted a record-breaking year-to-date collection surplus of P11.3 billion, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reported.
“So today, between January 1 this year until today, we are able to establish a record breaking surplus of PHP11.3 billion,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno in a keynote speech at the forum, “Unlocking Growth in ASEAN: Strategic Insights in Cross-border Transactions,” hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
The Commissioner attributed the surplus to the bureau’s improved collection efficiency, noting that trade volume has not grown significantly enough to account for the increase in revenues. With a clear mandate from President Marcos Jr. to properly collect revenues due the government, Nepomuceno said the BOC is strictly enforcing collection procedures.
“Because you were coming from an environment of distrust, so you still have to do a lot of checks and violences,” he said, explaining that the bureau has to classify shipments, verify volumes, and double-check declarations to ensure proper collections. “We have mechanisms to do concrete checking,” he said.
In his speech, the Commissioner assured the business community that the modernization and digitalization of the BOC are in full swing.
He vowed to deliver a modernized and digitalized BOC before the end of President Marcos Jr.’s term in mid-2028. Phase 1 of the Customs Processing System is expected to be rolled out next year. Under the system, BOC transactions—from filing and payment to cargo release—will be processed online.
Nepomuceno likened the process to conducting transactions through an ATM. In the meantime, he said his “Isumbong Kay Commissioner” program is performing well, with all complaints being acted upon and resolved.
