THE tireless and sincere efforts of Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Arie F. Nepomuceno continue to earn the recognition and support of stakeholders with the Philippine-based Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) feting the Customs Chief with the ‘Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Government Service’ during their general assembly last August 6.
In presenting the award, FICCI cited Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to strengthening customs administration and facilitating legitimate trade.
“The peacock is India’s national bird, symbolizes integrity, wisdom, excellence and leadership, values that reflect the highest standards of public service. Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has exemplified these qualities through his steadfast commitment to strengthening the Bureau of Customs, upholding integrity, facilitating legitimate trade, and serving the entire country with dedication and vision,” the FICCI said.
The organization is presently headed by President Vishal Vishnu Hathiramani who was on hand to welcome the BOC officials that also include Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla and Deputy Commissioner Atty. Agaton Uvero. The awarding ceremony coincided with the regular meeting of the Customs Industry Consultative Advisory Council (CICAC).
During his speech, Commissioner Nepomuceno outlined the Bureau’s continuing reform agenda, highlighting progress in institutional reform, revenue collection, and the modernization and digital transformation of customs processes.
A key matter discussed during the assembly was the new guidelines on the accreditation of importers and customs brokers through the Account Management Office (AMO) that is presently under the supervision of Maronilla.
The discussion provided stakeholders with updates on the accreditation process and an avenue to raise concerns and clarify procedures, in line with the agency’s continuing efforts to make accreditation more streamlined, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the trading community.
Underscoring the importance of the private sector to the country’s economic growth, Commissioner Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to becoming a reliable partner of businesses.
“We want to be your strong partner in making your businesses grow. You just have to trust us,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
“Trust us and we will help you. And be open, let’s be friends in walking together in this long journey of making the Bureau of Customs modern and responsive,” Commissioner Nepomuceno added.
PCCI, FPI reaffirm trust on Nepomuceno’s leadership
Meanwhile, two of the country’s biggest business organizations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) reaffirmed their continuing trust on Nepomuceno to push the BOC towards more meaningful and lasting reforms towards a more transparent, predictable and rules-based trading environment.
PCCI President Perry A. Ferrer emphasized the Chamber’s confidence in the Bureau’s leadership under Commissioner Nepomuceno, stating:
“Commissioner Nepomuceno’s reforms have helped foster a more transparent, predictable, and rules-based trading environment. We believe the Bureau of Customs is well-positioned to lead the implementation of this important reform, working closely with the other partner agencies.”
Specifically, the chamber expressed the pace of development with regards to the proposed Joint Administrative Order (JAO) that seeks to address long-standing concerns regarding logistics costs, shipping charges, port efficiency, and transparency across the entire logistics supply chain.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa PCCI sa kanilang tiwala at suporta,” Commissioner Nepomuceno for his part said.
“Ano man ang maging pinal na bersyon ng JAO, handa ang Bureau of Customs na ipatupad ito nang maayos at epektibo.
“Ang mahalaga ay magkaroon tayo ng malinaw at makatarungang balangkas na magpapadali sa pagnenegosyo at magpapahusay sa ating trading environment.”
For his part, FPI Chairman Dr. Jesus Arranza noted that the BOC under Nepomuceno “is making meaningful progress toward ensuring a level playing field for Philippine manufacturers that comply with laws, pay the correct taxes, and uphold Philippine standards.”
He also confessed that he became “very excited” on hearing of Nepomuceno’s appointment to the top Customs post last year “because the BOC is very important to us domestic manufacturers, and Ariel leading that agency will be a major boost for us.”
Arranza added that positive developments at the BOC in the one year of Nepomuceno’s appointment “validated” his optimism.
The business leader cited the agency’s improved collection performance, streamlined customs processes, strengthened border protection, and advancements in governance reforms.
“These figures matter to local manufacturers because every illegally imported or fraudulently undervalued product removed from the market helps restore fair competition,” Arranza stressed.
The FPI also again expressed appreciation over the decision of Commissioner Nepomuceno to allow Industry Technical Experts (ITEs) to assist in the monitoring and inspection of high-risk shipments (Pinoy Exposé, October 28, 2025).