New Customs chief lauded amid integrity, reform potential

A business group has expressed strong confidence in newly-minted Bureau of Customs (BoC) commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, calling him a man of "great integrity" and a capable leader poised to reform and modernize the agency.

"We discussed him in our club and quite a few members are familiar with him -- apparently, he came from the private sector. He has a good reputation," said Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director Rafael Ongpin.

He also commended Nepomuceno's intelligence and openness to innovation.

"Apparently he’s very bright, he’s very up to date with technology — and he has great integrity. So, we have high hopes for this guy, Mr. Nepomuceno," Ongpin said.

Nepomuceno, who previously held key roles in both government and the private sector, has been widely expected to bring a more results-oriented and transparent leadership style to the BoC.

The endorsement from the MBC adds momentum to ongoing reform efforts at Customs, which has long been seen as a critical chokepoint in trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations.

Observers note that such public praise from the business sector underscores the importance of trust and modernization in government institutions.

Nepomuceno has previously vowed to lead the BoC with transparency, digitalization and accountability as top priorities.