Photo credit: BOC

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is moving swiftly to clean up its ranks under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, following the 2025 U.S. State Department report that flagged bribery and corruption as major obstacles to investment in the Philippines.

But Nepomuceno made it clear — the reforms didn’t start because of the report. They were already underway.

“The reforms we introduced within my first 100 days were not reactionary. They were proactive measures rooted in our commitment to clean governance,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno. “These measures directly respond to the very issues highlighted in the U.S. State Department report, and we will continue pushing forward with both short and long-term solutions.”

Among the first moves under his leadership was a strict “No Take” policy, banning all forms of bribery and unlawful transactions inside the agency. Violators face immediate disciplinary action and full cooperation with law enforcement.

To eliminate conflicts of interest, Nepomuceno also prohibited BOC personnel from having any business ties with customs brokerage operations, requiring them to disclose any familial connections to brokerage firms. Officials must also submit sworn affidavits detailing past or present links to customs-related businesses to ensure transparency.

In another bold move, the BOC suspended all unserved Letters of Authority (LOA) and Mission Orders (MO) amid growing complaints from traders about excessive audits and intrusive enforcement operations. The suspension allows the bureau to recalibrate its procedures, ensuring legitimate businesses aren’t disrupted while keeping smuggling and fraud in check.

Nepomuceno also pushed for closer collaboration with international partners and business chambers, vowing to treat foreign and local investors “fairly and professionally.” The Bureau plans to strengthen the Customs Industry and Advisory Council (CICAC) — a platform where government and private stakeholders can regularly meet to improve policies, enhance transparency, and co-create solutions to streamline customs processes.

While these initial reforms aim to restore public trust, Nepomuceno said the long-term goal is full digitalization and automation — reducing human discretion, speeding up transactions, and cutting off avenues for corruption.

“We are fully committed to transforming the Bureau of Customs into a model of integrity and professionalism. Corruption has no place in our agency, and we will continue to pursue reforms that protect investors, promote fair trade, and uphold public trust,” he said.

The BOC also urged the public to report any irregularities through complaint@customs.gov.ph
or directly to the Office of the Commissioner via boc.ocom@customs.gov.ph
, assuring that all reports will be treated with confidentiality.

Under Nepomuceno’s leadership, the BOC says it is determined to prove that a government agency long associated with corruption can, in fact, become a model of clean, efficient, and transparent governance.