Securing the country’s border via intensified enforcement
Commissioner Nepomuceno strengthened the BoC’s enforcement efforts, strengthening border protection and public safety.
From July 2025 to June 2026, the bureau carried out 1,090 enforcement and intelligence operations, which led to the seizure of P40.471 billion worth of illicit goods, including illegal drugs, counterfeit products, smuggled cigarettes, vape products and agricultural items.
The BoC also pursued legal action against violators, filing 30 cases against individuals and entities involved in customs fraud, smuggling, and other unlawful importation activities during his first year in office.
Also, the BoC sustained the implementation of the Fuel Marking Program, safeguarding around P257.63 billion in duties and taxes through the monitoring of 20.6 billion liters of fuel.
These efforts were strengthened through closer coordination with partner agencies such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Land Transportation Office, the Federation of Philippine Industries and the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority helping protect legitimate businesses and communities.
Championing integrity, accountability, governance reforms
Commissioner Nepomuceno pursued reforms to strengthen integrity within the BoC and restore public confidence in its operations.
He led the implementation of a stricter Anti-Conflict of Interest Policy, required disclosure of business and family interests, and ensured the full documentation and livestreaming of condemnation activities.
To further strengthen oversight and accountability, he ordered the transfer of the Accounts Management Office (AMO) under the Post-Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) to tighten checks and balances and improve the agency’s capacity to investigate irregularities.
The move also enabled closer monitoring of accreditation applications and more thorough post-audit reviews.
Alongside these structural changes, Commissioner Nepomuceno directed the investigation and reassignment of AMO personnel linked to irregular or corrupt practices.
The BoC also launched the “Isumbong kay Commissioner” platform, giving the public a direct channel to report complaints and irregularities.
Together with stronger internal discipline and anti-corruption efforts, these measures contributed to the BoC’s removal from the list of top complaint agencies and helped rebuild public trust.
Abandoned Balikbayan Boxes delivery, fortifying assistance to OFWs
Reinforcing its commitment to Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, the BoC intensified efforts to address long-standing concerns involving abandoned balikbayan boxes.
Commissioner Nepomuceno initiated the establishment of the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center (BOAC), Balikbayan Box Help Desk, and OFW Corner to protect OFW shipments, address balikbayan box concerns, and improve transparency in customs handling.
Recognizing the substantial cost of delivering thousands of abandoned boxes, Commissioner Nepomuceno sought the assistance of President Marcos and the Department of Finance, led by Secretary Frederick Go, to fund their door-to-door delivery.
As of 30 June 2026, the BoC successfully delivered 41,525 balikbayan boxes to their rightful recipients.
To strengthen accountability, the BoC suspended freight forwarders responsible for abandoning balikbayan box shipments from transacting with the Bureau.
Moreover, the BoC assisted affected complainants in filing formal complaints with the National Bureau of Investigation and initiated the filing of eight criminal cases with the Department of Justice against deconsolidators linked to abandoned balikbayan box shipments.
Fostering personnel welfare, public service, social responsibility
Beyond core operations, Commissioner Nepomuceno directed efforts to extend services to communities.
The BoC facilitated the donation of forfeited goods for disaster response, assisted earthquake-affected areas, and expanded healthcare access for personnel.
To sustain reforms, Commissioner Nepomuceno launched the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization Movement, embedding these values into the daily work of Customs officers while strengthening a culture of professionalism and public service.
Gaining accolades
Commissioner Nepomuceno’s reform agenda also earned widespread recognition from the business community and partner organizations.
During his first year in office, the Bureau received commendations from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., DHL Express, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in recognition of the Bureau’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation, streamline customs processes, strengthen border protection, and foster stronger collaboration with stakeholders.
He also received the Golden Peacock Award of Excellence in Government and Humanitarian Service from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.) Inc. He was also recognized during the 40th Gintong Parangal Awards for his exemplary public service and honored at the Third International Tobacco Summit for the Bureau’s sustained campaign against illicit tobacco trade and its strengthened border protection initiatives.
The BoC also continued to deepen its partnership with the private sector, securing the support of the FFCCCII and the Chinese-Filipino Business Club Inc. for its modernization initiatives and ongoing customs reforms, underscoring the growing confidence of stakeholders in the agency’s direction under Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership.
“Our mandate to serve will not end in our first year,” Nepomuceno said. “This is the promise that we are holding on to. We will continue to protect our borders, keep legitimate trade moving, and safeguard the revenues that support our nation.”
As the BoC enters its second year under Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership, he remains focused on sustaining reforms, strengthening enforcement, improving services, and building a Customs system that Filipinos can trust and rely on.
