The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it is eyeing more than P1 trillion in revenue this year, up from its P934 billion collections in 2025.

“The target collection this 2026 is P1.003 T. This is the first time the BoC is tasked to reach this revenue collection target. And we are definitely aiming to surpass the 2025 collection,” said BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno in a Viber interview.

Earlier, the BOC announced it had already recorded P80.744 billion in collections in January, surpassing its P513 million target for the month.

Nepomuceno said that while revenue performance sets a positive tone for the year, gains are reinforced by firm, consistent and continuous enforcement activities.

Throughout January 2026, the BOC carried out sustained enforcement operations nationwide, resulting in 66 successful apprehensions with a combined estimated value of P886.8 million in seized contraband and smuggled products. The operations targeted illicit activities that threaten public safety, fair trade and government revenues.

The largest seizures recorded during the month involved dangerous drugs valued at more than P309 million, intercepted through intelligence-driven operations. These included the seizure of illicit drugs worth P114.566 million concealed in a shipment declared as malachite stones.

Addressing port congestion

Meanwhile, BOC Deputy Commissioner for the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero convened key industry stakeholders to address ongoing challenges related to port congestion and the management of empty return containers.

The BOC delegation, which included Deputy Commissioner for the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group Atty. Arnel P. Alambra and other senior officials, facilitated a dialogue among importers, brokers, trucking companies, shipping lines and container yard operators.

The discussions aimed to identify critical issues and collaborate on solutions to persistent challenges surrounding port congestion and the return of empty containers, marking a step toward easing bottlenecks in the logistics sector.

“The BOC remains committed to enhancing trade facilitation and improving operational efficiency, while working closely with industry stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that will reduce congestion and streamline container management,” Nepomuceno said.

Border protection

BOC officials also recently met with the Australian Border Force to bolster institutional cooperation on border management and customs enforcement.

The engagement reinforced both agencies’ commitment to strengthening national security through coordinated and adaptive responses to complex transnational risks.

The discussion, led by Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales of the BOC Intelligence Group, highlighted the importance of enhanced intelligence exchange, closer operational coordination and sustained institutional collaboration, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to strengthen national security and protect lawful trade.

Both sides agreed that enduring partnerships are essential in addressing evolving illicit activities that threaten public safety, legitimate commerce and government revenues.

“This engagement strengthens the BOC’s institutional readiness and cooperation with global border security counterparts, contributing to regional and international security efforts. Through these partnerships, the Bureau continues to help ensure secure trade, protect the public interest, and uphold its role in safeguarding national borders and economic stability,” Nepomuceno said.