MANILA— Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno highlighted the agency’s gains in revenue collection, digitalization, and trade facilitation as it continues efforts to make Customs administration more efficient and responsive.

Speaking at the recent “Balitaan sa Harbor View” organized by the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association, Nepomuceno said the BOC collected more than ₱664 billion against its ₱659-billion target, exceeding its goal by more than ₱5 billion.

He said the agency’s revenue performance showed that collection and reforms can be pursued simultaneously.

“Ang mindset na dinatnan natin diyan ay kapag nagreporma ka, magdudusa o mahihirapan ang collection. Hindi ako naniwala diyan, walang logic. Habang ginagawa mo ang reporma, lalo mong magagawa ang tamang koleksyon, that’s more logical.”

Nepomuceno said digitalization remains a key part of the BOC’s reform agenda, with available technologies and digital solutions being adopted to improve procedures and address longstanding operational challenges.

“With the help of our other officers, the Bureau of Customs will be different, better than when we inherited the agency,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

The commissioner also underscored the need to speed up the processing of legitimate shipments. Customs personnel have been directed to complete assessments within five days, while airport shipments with complete documents are generally expected to be released within one day and, at most, three days.

The BOC is also preparing for increased shipment volumes and possible port congestion while continuing to strengthen its three core mandates of revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement.

For border protection, Nepomuceno highlighted the use of X-ray screening, intelligence-sharing, and canine operations to detect prohibited and illicit goods, alongside efforts to further enhance Customs capabilities at the country’s ports and gateways.

Through these measures, the BOC aims to provide faster and more reliable Customs services while strengthening border protection and facilitating legitimate trade.