The Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it is eyeing more than P1 trillion in revenue for this year, increasing its P934 billion collections last year.

“The target collection this 2026 is P1.003 trillion. 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 that it already recorded P80.744 billion in collections in January, surpassing its P513-million target for the said month.

Commissioner Nepomuceno insisted that while revenue performance sets a positive tone for the year, he emphasized that revenue gains are strengthened by firm, consistent, and continuous enforcement activities.

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

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

Addressing port congestion

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

The BoC delegation, which included Atty. Arnel P. Alambra, Deputy Commissioner for the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group, alongside other key BoC officials, facilitated a constructive dialogue among various parties — including importers, brokers, trucking companies, shipping lines, and container yard operators.

The aim was to identify critical issues and collaborate on finding solutions to the persistent challenges surrounding port congestion and the return of empty containers, marking a positive step forward in resolving key concerns within 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

Also, BoC officials recently met with the Australian Border Force (ABF) 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, headed by Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales of the BoC Intelligence Group, underscored the importance of strengthened intelligence exchange, closer operational coordination, and sustained institutional collaboration, further advancing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to enhance national security and protect lawful trade.

Both sides recognized 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,” according to Nepomuceno.