MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recorded its highest cumulative surplus for the January to April period in the past decade, with total collections reaching PHP325.808 billion.

Based on preliminary data, the bureau also posted its highest April collection on record at PHP86.4 billion. This exceeded its target of PHP78.6 billion by 9.9 percent, or PHP7.8 billion, and was 15.7 percent higher compared to the same month last year, equivalent to PHP11.699 billion.

For the first four months of the year, total collections surpassed the PHP314.66 billion target by PHP11.148 billion or 3.5 percent. It also rose by PHP19.729 billion or 6.4 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

The agency said the strong performance came despite external pressures affecting global and domestic trade, including economic disruptions linked to 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 starting April 2026.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno attributed the results to the agency’s personnel across ports.

“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,” he said.

“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,” he added.