BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno called on the country’s business community to help him in his ‘transformation initiatives’ to enhance the bureau’s efficiency, promote transparency and the restoration of public trust.
“A lot of corruption issues are all over the news, ayokong maisama d’yan ang Bureau of Customs during my time.
“So, tulungan niyo akong maayos ang Bureau of Customs – changes that we can do within my power, we will do that,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said during a forum last September 16 organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), the country’s biggest business group in the Fil-Chinese community.
Federation President Victor Lim welcomed Commissioner Nepomuceno and expressed appreciation for the chance to engage directly with the BOC leadership, highlighting the value of open dialogue and partnership in advancing shared goals.
The Federation always takes the initiative for a direct engagement with the top officials of various government agencies, especially from the Bureau of Customs, which plays a vital role in the country’s trade flow.
The forum highlighted the BOC’s resolve to work closely with stakeholders in building a more transparent and accountable customs administration.
It also enabled the Customs Chief to highlight his key policy directives to strengthen transparency and good governance since assuming office last July.
They include his ‘No Take Policy,’ and the roll-out of a stricter disclosure policy among customs officials and employees in support of his ‘Anti-Conflict of Interest’ (COIN) policy.
Unknown to many, Comm. Nepomuceno already caused the forced resignation of a presidential appointee last August while another appointee has also been relieved and presently under investigation for alleged involvement in corrupt activities.
The event also converged with the Federation’s call for a stop to government corruption and its members active participation during the anti-corruption protests last September 21.
United in war versus corruption
In a statement, the FFCCCII called for “sweeping systemic reforms built on radical transparency, efficiency. and ruthless accountability.”
The Federation further called on everyone to “resolutely confront the cancer of corruption,” stressing that “the time for half-measures is over.”
“Corruption is not a victimless crime,” the Federation said.
“It is a heinous betrayal that robs our most vulnerable citizens of essential services and a better life.
“It stifles innovation, repels investment, and essentially destroys our nation and kills its people.”
Commissioner Nepomuceno, for his part, also echoed the Federation’s sentiment against corruption.
In a statement during the September 21 mass protests, Comm. Nepomuceno said the BOC hears the voice of the people and their frustration about shenanigans in government.
“The agency has often been seen as part of the problem. But we also want the public to know that we are determined to change this image by making real and lasting reforms,” Comm. Nepomuceno said.
“With the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are strengthening measures that place integrity, accountability, and transparency at the heart of our work.
“It is in his courage to call out corruption and to demand full accountability that the BOC finds its strongest resolve to confront these challenges and deliver the reforms our people rightfully deserve,” he added.
Unknown to many, Comm. Nepomuceno already caused the forced resignation of a presidential appointee last August while another appointee has also been relieved and presently under investigation for alleged involvement in corrupt activities.