Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno had one goal in mind when he accepted the herculean task of leading the BoC: To meet, or even surpass, the agency’s revenue-collection target, helping the country reduce its reliance on international borrowing and avoid being overwhelmed by foreign debt.

In just over 100 days in office, Nepomuceno said he has already implemented measurable reforms in revenue collection and in other key functions of the BoC, such as trade facilitation, border protection, and institutional integrity, laying the groundwork for a new era of transparency and trust.

Nepomuceno now leads not only the most complex government institution but also one of the most criticized, particularly regarding the perennial problem of graft and “under-the-table” transactions.

A seasoned public servant handpicked by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Nepomuceno was given a clear mission: to deliver on Customs’ mandate while restoring faith in an agency long overshadowed by public skepticism.

More than a hundred days later, the results speak for themselves. Under his leadership, the Bureau has achieved notable progress in four key areas: revenue generation, trade facilitation, border protection, and integrity reforms, proving that good governance and good performance can go hand in hand.

Between 1 July and 8 October 2025, the Bureau of Customs collected P263.094 billion, surpassing last year’s collection of P255.922 billion by 2.8 percent, or P7.172 billion, despite operational disruptions, including a week-long work suspension in July.

The agency also earned P505.032 million from post-clearance audits and voluntary disclosures by importers, and an additional P106.931 million from the auction of forfeited goods at major ports, including the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“Every peso collected is a peso for nation-building,” Nepomuceno said. “These funds directly support essential services and infrastructure that benefit Filipino communities.”

These results highlight the Commissioner’s focus on accountability — ensuring that every peso entering the Bureau contributes to the nation’s growth and people’s welfare.

Enhancing ease of doing business 

Nepomuceno’s leadership has been marked by swift reforms aimed at making doing business with Customs easier, faster, and more transparent.

Among his initial acts was suspending the green lane QR (quick response) scanning requirement for arriving travelers at airports and seaports, thereby streamlining processing and improving passenger flow.

The BoC also rolled out the upgraded Online Tax Estimator, a digital platform that allows importers and the public to efficiently compute duties and taxes — advancing the Bureau’s digital transformation and minimizing face-to-face transactions prone to red tape.

“We are simplifying processes not for convenience alone, but to restore trust and make customs services truly people-centered,” Nepomuceno explained.

The business community took notice. The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) lauded the Bureau’s modernization drive, citing its commitment to integrity and efficiency.

To further strengthen partnerships, the BoC also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. (FPI) to enhance cooperation against smuggling and unfair trade practices. This partnership serves as a model for public-private collaboration.

Fortifying border security

Nepomuceno has thus far shown firm resolve in protecting the country’s borders against smuggling and illicit trade.

Between 1 July and 8 October, the Bureau conducted 293 enforcement operations, seizing P3.8 billion worth of illegal goods.

The biggest hauls included P2.169 billion in illegal drugs, P1.119 billion in cigarettes and tobacco and P190 million in agricultural products.

“Protecting our borders means protecting our communities,” Nepomuceno stressed. “We will not relent in our fight against smuggling.”

Meanwhile, under the Fuel Marking Program, over 5.504 billion liters of petroleum were marked, generating P63.4 billion in revenue and promoting compliance across the fuel industry — one of the program’s strongest performances since its launch.

Integrity at the core of leadership

While reforms in systems and enforcement are vital, Commissioner Nepomuceno believes that the most critical transformation must come from within the institution itself.

On his very first day in office, he immediately ordered the suspension of all previously unserved Letters of Authority (LoA) and Mission Orders (MO) to ensure transparency and accountability in enforcement operations.

Shortly after, on 10 July, he enforced the Anti-Conflict of Interest Policy, banning BoC personnel from engaging in customs brokerage or any related business that could compromise impartiality.

All officials and employees were required to disclose business interests and family relations relevant to their duties.

Also, on 29 July, he reinforced the “No Take Policy,” which prohibits bribery and any unlawful monetary transactions involving BoC personnel or stakeholders.

“Integrity must be the foundation of every public institution,” the Commissioner emphasized. “At the BoC, we are making that principle a reality.”

To minimize bureaucracy and opportunities for corruption, Nepomuceno proposed amending Customs Administrative Order 07-2022 to extend importer accreditation validity from one to three years, reducing unnecessary renewals while maintaining strict compliance checks.

Transparency also took center stage in enforcement operations. The Commissioner suspended all previously unserved Letters of Authority and Mission Orders, and mandated the live streaming and documentation of all condemnation and destruction activities — a move widely welcomed by watchdog groups as a significant step toward accountability.

In support of Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, Nepomuceno issued a memorandum on 30 September directing all ports and offices to promptly resolve client concerns, reinforcing the Bureau’s commitment to fast, fair and efficient service.

Modernization via digital shift

Since one of Nepomuceno’s goals for the Bureau of Customs is to digitize its processes, he emphasized that full automation must be achieved. 

“Digitalization is the only solution to pursue good governance. Even if we continue throwing sermons about integrity, honesty, and services being done well, we indeed need digital infrastructure to compel everyone that, whether they like it or not, it’s now the process,” he stressed.

As the Bureau continues its modernization and reform agenda, it stands as one of the strongest examples of how leadership, anchored on accountability, can restore faith in government.

With more reforms on the horizon, Ariel Nepomuceno’s tenure has set a tone of renewal — a clear message that under his watch, every peso, every process, and every action at the Bureau of Customs will serve one purpose: Enhance the Filipino nation’s welfare.