BUREAU Of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno expressed confidence that the country would gain the full benefit of its ongoing “digital transformation” by the middle of next year as he also ticked off their accomplishments powered by modern systems and technology.
“The Bureau of Customs is undergoing intense transformation, and at the center of this transformation is our reliance on digital solutions. We are already seeing concrete results, not optics, not newspaper results,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The Customs Chief made the remarks during his participation at the 2026 Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC) held from August 3 to 4 that was attended by representatives from both the government and private sectors.
He cited the BOC’s strong revenue performance as proof that its reform initiatives are already yielding measurable gains.
“As of today, and this is something that our team is proud of, we have achieved a record-breaking collection performance for July. We exceeded our collection target with a surplus of ₱4.7 billion, bringing our total surplus collections for the year to more than ₱14 billion,” he added.
He also stressed that achieving 100 percent digitalization remains the agency’s key priority to satisfy stakeholders’ expectation of a predictable, seamless, and transparent importation process.
To date, the BOC has already digitized more than 96 percent of its systems and processes with the Customs Chief optimistic of completion by July 2027, exactly two years after his assumption of office.
At present, Commissioner Nepomuceno disclosed that they are pursuing eight “core modernization projects,” anchored on the Customs Processing System (CPS).
The CPS is designed to enable the online submission of documents, automated computation of customs duties and taxes, and electronic processing and release of shipments.
The CPS is an ICT-enabled platform designed to streamline and automate customs procedures, promoting efficient, transparent, and compliant trade facilitation.
Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the system integrates customs processing, payment services, and other critical operational functions while ensuring compliance with Philippine laws and international trade standards.
The system is also complemented by other digital initiatives, including the Automated Export Declaration System, E-Service Catalogue System, Container Tracking and Monitoring System, and Balikbayan Box System, all aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
Commissioner Nepomuceno, however, noted that while the BOC is aggressively advancing its digitalization agenda, implementation timelines remain subject to existing government procurement processes, in other words, bureaucratic red tape that is beyond their control.
Top Importers’ Office opens for business
To further encourage stakeholders’ participation, the agency also announced the full implementation of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 6-2026 signed by Commissioner Nepomuceno that created the ‘TIO’ (Top Importers’ Office).
Headed by Director George JT D. Aliño, II, the TIO would play the role of the “strategic link” to foster seamless collaboration between key trade partners and the BOC’s operational units.
Its establishment shifts customs governance to sustained consultation, upgrading frontline services, and promoting a more efficient and reliable trading environment.
For the month of July, a series of consultation meetings were conducted with top importers across various industries where they were informed of the TIO’s role as their “central coordinating hub” and primary point of contact with the agency.
Among the stakeholders engaged were leading energy and petroleum firms, including Insular Oil Corporation, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Petron Corporation, Chevron Philippines Inc., Seaoil, Unioil, and Jetti Petroleum.
The TIO was also introduced to key players in aviation, automotive, technology, food, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
“Ang Top Importers Office ang magiging direktang tulay natin sa mga pangunahing stakeholders para mas maging mabilis at malinaw ang ating koordinasyon.
“Through open dialogue, we will not only respond to operational issues, but we will also identify the root cause of problems to provide lasting solutions,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
As part of the initial programs launched by the TIO, structured assistance and tracking mechanisms were established to ensure that concerns are systematically routed to concerned BOC offices for timely evaluation and action, while setting mutual expectations for strict legal compliance and complete documentation.
The establishment of the TIO forms part of the BOC’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM Customs) agenda of Commissioner Nepomuceno in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines.