Daily TribuneCommissioner Ariel Nepomuceno was honored for the Bureau of Customs’ critical role in sustaining enforcement operations and intensifying crackdowns against illicit tobacco products, contributing significantly to the protection of national revenues, enhancement of border security, and promotion of fair trade.
PERSONNEL of Bureau of Customs and Philippine Coast Guard check the smuggled items after a recent Manila raid.
With its intensified operations against the illicit tobacco trade, Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno received a commendation from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).
The recognition was conferred on 18 June during the 3rd International Tobacco Summit in Pasig City, in acknowledgement of the BoC’s sustained efforts in combating illicit tobacco trade and strengthening border protection.
Commissioner Nepomuceno was also honored for the agency’s critical role in sustaining enforcement operations and intensifying crackdowns against illicit tobacco products, contributing significantly to the protection of national revenues, enhancement of border security and promotion of fair trade.
Testament
According to Nepomuceno, the recognition is a testament to the BoC’s commitment to safeguarding the country against smuggling and other forms of customs fraud, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and combat illicit trade.
“It’s a great honor for the Bureau of Customs to receive this citation, concretizing our continued quest to fight illicit tobacco trade and other forms of smuggling. This recognition inspires us to continue redefining Customs as a modern, credible, and responsive institution that protects our borders, supports legitimate businesses, and delivers meaningful service to the Filipino people,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Representing the BoC at the summit, Deputy Commissioner Emmanuel Luis Licup of the Intelligence Group discussed the agency’s enforcement initiatives, including measures to ensure that confiscated illicit tobacco products are securely handled, properly destroyed and permanently removed from circulation.
The event brought together key government officials, law enforcement agencies, industry leaders and international partners to discuss collaborative strategies aimed at addressing illicit tobacco trade and protecting government revenues.
CUSTOM Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno (center) arrives at a warehouse in Manila, where piles of smuggled agricultural products were seized in a recent raid.
Principles of the IAM Movement
Under the leadership of Commissioner Nepomuceno, and guided by the principles of the Integrity, Accountability and Modernization (IAM) Movement, the BoC has strengthened its campaign against illicit trade through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced interagency collaboration.
In the past five months, the agency conducted 187 enforcement operations that led to the seizure of smuggled cigarettes and tobacco products valued at approximately P13.5 billion.
“These accomplishments only show the Bureau of Customs’ relentless pursuit of securing the nation’s borders, protecting legitimate commerce, preserving government revenues, and upholding customs laws,” Nepomuceno stressed.
A pat on the back
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, has lauded Nepomuceno on being named Asia’s Most Outstanding Leader for Customs Modernization and Public Service.
“This award affirms Nepomuceno’s leadership in driving reforms that have modernized the BoC, strengthened enforcement against smuggling, and advanced policies that lower logistics costs and improve trade competitiveness,” PCCI president Perry Ferrer said in a statement.
PCCI noted that since taking office, Nepomuceno has advanced reforms anchored on integrity, accountability, and digital transformation.
“Under his watch, the BoC has consistently strengthened enforcement against smuggling and introduced governance measures that restored public trust,” the country’s largest business organization’s official said.
Exceeded revenue targets
Under commissioner Nepomuceno’s stewardship, the BoC has consistently exceeded revenue targets while aggressively curbing illicit trade.
In 2025 alone, the Bureau seized nearly P61.7 billion worth of smuggled goods, reflecting its enhanced enforcement capabilities and commitment to integrity.
“Commissioner Nepomuceno’s recognition is a win not only for the BoC but for the entire business community,” Ferrer said. “His reforms have created a more transparent, predictable and fair-trade environment — one that strengthens investor confidence and supports inclusive economic growth.”
The PCCI further commended Commissioner Nepomuceno for strongly supporting the revival of a proposed Joint Administrative Order regulating shipping charges.
Address excessive logistics fees
The chamber has been strongly pushing for such policy to address excessive logistics fees, strengthen the competitiveness of Philippine enterprises, and ease consumer prices, directly benefiting both industry and consumers.
Said PCCI vice president for Industry Bryan Ang, “By tackling excessive logistics costs and championing accountability, commissioner Nepomuceno has addressed long‑standing concerns of industry. His leadership ensures that businesses can operate more competitively while consumers benefit from lower costs.”ainst the illicit tobacco trade, Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno received a commendation from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).
The recognition was conferred on 18 June during the 3rd International Tobacco Summit in Pasig City, in acknowledgement of the BoC’s sustained efforts in combating illicit tobacco trade and strengthening border protection.
Commissioner Nepomuceno was also honored for the agency’s critical role in sustaining enforcement operations and intensifying crackdowns against illicit tobacco products, contributing significantly to the protection of national revenues, enhancement of border security and promotion of fair trade.
Testament
According to Nepomuceno, the recognition is a testament to the BoC’s commitment to safeguarding the country against smuggling and other forms of customs fraud, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and combat illicit trade.
“It’s a great honor for the Bureau of Customs to receive this citation, concretizing our continued quest to fight illicit tobacco trade and other forms of smuggling. This recognition inspires us to continue redefining Customs as a modern, credible, and responsive institution that protects our borders, supports legitimate businesses, and delivers meaningful service to the Filipino people,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Representing the BoC at the summit, Deputy Commissioner Emmanuel Luis Licup of the Intelligence Group discussed the agency’s enforcement initiatives, including measures to ensure that confiscated illicit tobacco products are securely handled, properly destroyed and permanently removed from circulation.
The event brought together key government officials, law enforcement agencies, industry leaders and international partners to discuss collaborative strategies aimed at addressing illicit tobacco trade and protecting government revenues.
Principles of the IAM Movement
Under the leadership of Commissioner Nepomuceno, and guided by the principles of the Integrity, Accountability and Modernization (IAM) Movement, the BoC has strengthened its campaign against illicit trade through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced interagency collaboration.
In the past five months, the agency conducted 187 enforcement operations that led to the seizure of smuggled cigarettes and tobacco products valued at approximately P13.5 billion.
“These accomplishments only show the Bureau of Customs’ relentless pursuit of securing the nation’s borders, protecting legitimate commerce, preserving government revenues, and upholding customs laws,” Nepomuceno stressed.
A pat on the back
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, has lauded Nepomuceno on being named Asia’s Most Outstanding Leader for Customs Modernization and Public Service.
“This award affirms Nepomuceno’s leadership in driving reforms that have modernized the BoC, strengthened enforcement against smuggling, and advanced policies that lower logistics costs and improve trade competitiveness,” PCCI president Perry Ferrer said in a statement.
PCCI noted that since taking office, Nepomuceno has advanced reforms anchored on integrity, accountability, and digital transformation.
“Under his watch, the BoC has consistently strengthened enforcement against smuggling and introduced governance measures that restored public trust,” the country’s largest business organization’s official said.
Exceeded revenue targets
Under commissioner Nepomuceno’s stewardship, the BoC has consistently exceeded revenue targets while aggressively curbing illicit trade.
In 2025 alone, the Bureau seized nearly P61.7 billion worth of smuggled goods, reflecting its enhanced enforcement capabilities and commitment to integrity.
“Commissioner Nepomuceno’s recognition is a win not only for the BoC but for the entire business community,” Ferrer said. “His reforms have created a more transparent, predictable and fair-trade environment — one that strengthens investor confidence and supports inclusive economic growth.”
The PCCI further commended Commissioner Nepomuceno for strongly supporting the revival of a proposed Joint Administrative Order regulating shipping charges.
Address excessive logistics fees
The chamber has been strongly pushing for such policy to address excessive logistics fees, strengthen the competitiveness of Philippine enterprises, and ease consumer prices, directly benefiting both industry and consumers.
Said PCCI vice president for Industry Bryan Ang, “By tackling excessive logistics costs and championing accountability, commissioner Nepomuceno has addressed long‑standing concerns of industry. His leadership ensures that businesses can operate more competitively while consumers benefit from lower costs.”
