JUST one year into office this month, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has shown that strict adherence to constructive reforms and boosting accountability across the entire organization can be effective tools to defy external factors that influence the flow of revenue as the agency announced it has again overshoot its target for the month of June, the midpoint of the year – and towards achieving the historic record of collecting ₱1 trillion in revenue assigned to it this year.
The official data released by the BOC in its statement on July 5 disclosed that last month, it collected ₱86.073 billion in revenue, surpassing its monthly target of ₱83.220 billion by ₱2.853 billion.
This brought the BOC’s total revenue surplus for the first half of 2026 to ₱11.478 billion, with cumulative collections reaching ₱491.748 billion, exceeding the January-to-June target of ₱480.270 billion by 2.4 percent.
Year-on year, last month’s collection is 11.7 percent more for the same month last year that amounted to ₱77.035 billion or a surplus of ₱9.037 billion. Similarly, the BOC generated ₱32.977 billion additional revenue in the first six months of this year compared to the ₱458.771 billion it generated for the same period last year.
The achievement comes as Commissioner Nepomuceno marks his first year at the helm of the BOC, highlighting a year characterized by stronger revenue collection, intensified border protection, digital transformation initiatives, and institutional reforms anchored on three simple guiding principles that he enunciated on his assumption of office– ‘Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization.’
Commissioner Nepomuceno formally assumed the top Customs post on July 1, 2025.
In brief statement, Nepomuceno expressed gratitude to the efforts and commitment shown by the bureau’s 17 collection districts as the agency continues to defy the generally unstable business environment due to the raging conflicts outside the country that are affecting the global supply chain and the flow of international trade.
“Ang bawat pisong nakolekta ay bunga ng sama-samang pagsisikap ng ating mga kawani sa lahat ng collection districts, enforcement units, at sa lahat ng offices.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala, dedikasyon, at malasakit sa serbisyo publiko.
“This milestone proves that when integrity guides our work and everyone moves toward one goal, we can effectively deliver significant results that truly benefit our country and our fellow Filipinos,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno.
Particularly cited in the BOC statement is the performance of the Post-Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) under Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip ‘Jet’ Maronilla, whose unit contributed ₱2.283 billion in additional revenue through its post-clearance audit operations.
‘No second chance’ for the corrupt
As stakeholders welcomed his second year in office, Commissioner Nepomuceno also issued a dire warning that his ‘honeymoon’ or toleration of unprofessional conduct by agency personnel has ended, stating that moving forward, his administration is now implementing a ‘one-strike’ policy against those unwilling to follow his reform agenda by colluding with smugglers and extorting money from those doing business with the BOC.
In a separate statement, Commissioner Nepomuceno pointed out that the government’s “all-out war” against smugglers goes hand-in-hand with the campaign to rid the agency of underserving personnel.
He underscored that the fight against illicit trade and internal corruption remain among the BOC’s top priorities.
“Sa umpisa ng ikalawang taon natin sa BOC, makakaasa ang ating mga kababayan ng mas agresibong pagtugis sa mga smuggler at pagpapanagot sa ating mga tauhan.
“Let the recent apprehensions of illicit cigarettes worth billions be a declaration of war against smuggling activities and the strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy on our personnel,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
He also noted that as the Bureau continues to strengthen its border protection measures, smuggling syndicates have become increasingly adaptive, resorting to alternative routes and methods to evade customs laws, including the use of private wharves and vessels.
He emphasized that these evolving tactics require an equally dynamic response from the BOC through stronger enforcement, innovation, and enhanced operational capabilities.
“Wala nang puwang para sa complacency. As smugglers evolve their methods, Customs must be faster, smarter, and more coordinated.
“Kaya mas paiigtingin natin ang intelligence-sharing at joint operations kasama ang ating partner agencies upang mapigilan at mapanagot ang mga nasa likod ng mga iligal na aktibidad na ito,” he said.
The Commissioner also reiterated that under the one-strike policy, employees found to be involved in corruption, smuggling activities, or any act that undermines the integrity of the BOC may be immediately relieved or removed from their posts.
Public participation
The Customs Chief also took the opportunity to encourage public participation in reforming the agency and the campaign against smuggling.
Commissioner Nepomuceno said the public can directly bring their concerns and information to him thru his ‘Isumbong Kay Commissioner’ electronic platform (https://isumbongkaycomm.customs.gov.ph/).
“Ang laban kontra smuggling ay hindi lamang laban ng Bureau of Customs. Kung may alam kayo, magsumbong kayo.
“Through Isumbong Kay Commissioner, every credible tip can help us uncover smuggling activities and hold violators accountable,” he said.