Palace backs BoC rule on declaring relatives in brokerage

Malacañang on Friday voiced its full support for the Bureau of Customs (BOC)’s new policy requiring all personnel to disclose any familial ties—by consanguinity or affinity up to the fourth civil degree—with individuals involved in the customs brokerage industry.

The measure aims to curb corruption and strengthen transparency within the agency.

During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Atty. Claire Castro, highlighted the significance of BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s Anti-Conflict of Interest Memorandum.

She noted that the directive embodies President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uphold integrity and good governance in public service.

“Nilalayon ng nasabing polisiya na paigtingin ang good governance at transparency sa ahensiya (This policy seeks to intensify good governance and transparency within the agency),” Castro said.

Nepomuceno, acting on the President’s orders, reaffirmed that the BOC will prioritize the public interest above all else.

“The President has instructed that the system enabling corruption and other undesirable practices within the agency be stopped. The bureau will prioritize the welfare of the nation over the personal interests of a few,” Castro quoted Nepomuceno as saying.

The memorandum explicitly prohibits BOC employees from holding any business or financial interests related to customs brokerage operations.

Furthermore, all personnel must submit a verified affidavit to the Office of the Commissioner disclosing any family relationships—by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree—with individuals connected to the customs brokerage sector.

Castro underscored that this policy aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s broader agenda of institutional reforms.

“Ang hakbang na ito ay pagpapatupad sa adbokasiya ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na patatagin ang transparency at good governance sa bansa (This step is part of President Marcos Jr.’s advocacy to strengthen transparency and good governance in the country),” she said.