Reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the efficient movement of goods across the country’s gateways, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has constituted a Technical Working Group (TWG)/Task Force to strengthen coordination in addressing operational challenges affecting major seaports and airports nationwide.
Prior to the issuance of the Customs Special Order, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno personally conducted a walkthrough inspection of an air cargo warehouse facility to observe traffic flow, cargo handling processes, and overall warehouse operations. The visit allowed the Commissioner to assess firsthand the operational challenges encountered by stakeholders and identify practical measures to improve the efficiency of cargo movement and customs clearance.
Building on this initiative, the BOC created the TWG/Task Force to develop coordinated and responsive measures to improve cargo movement and clearance, address concerns involving the return and monitoring of containers and Unit Load Devices, and resolve operational bottlenecks affecting trade facilitation. This reflects the agency’s proactive approach to maintaining the smooth flow of legitimate trade while supporting the country’s economic and logistics activities.
The Task Force will be chaired by Deputy Commissioner Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero of the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, with Assistant Commissioner Vincent Phillip C. Maronilla of the Post Clearance Audit Group serving as Vice Chairperson. Its members include the District Collectors of the Manila International Container Port, the Port of Manila, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), together with the Director of the Port Operations Service.
Recognizing that port operations require a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach, the BOC will work closely with key government agencies, including the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Ports Authority, Manila International Airport Authority, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. The TWG will likewise engage private sector stakeholders, including customs brokers, logistics providers, trucking groups, port users, warehouse and container yard operators, and PEZA locators to ensure that operational concerns are addressed through collaborative and practical solutions.
The TWG/Task Force shall report directly to the Office of the Commissioner and coordinate with the DOF through the Office of the Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group to ensure the timely implementation of strategies and recommendations.
“The efficient movement of cargo is a shared responsibility that requires close coordination between government and the private sector. Hindi natin ito kayang gawin kung magkakanya-kanya. Through this Task Force, we are bringing the right stakeholders and government agencies together to resolve operational issues quickly, keep cargo moving efficiently, and ensure that legitimate trade continues to flow while maintaining the integrity of our customs controls,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The BOC emphasized that the initiative reflects the agency’s continuing reforms to proactive governance and collaborative problem-solving in addressing operational challenges across the country’s major ports.
