NEPOMUCENO DOUBLES DOWN ON ‘COI’ POLICY

10-days deadline given for all BOC personnel to comply

On Sep 10, 2025

Action Man: Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno (center) inspecting some of the smuggled cigarettes they uncovered at a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan last August 27. With him are CIIS Director Thomas Narcise, DCI Romeo Rosales and Assistant Comm. Atty. Vincent Maronilla, BOC spokesperson.

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno is doubling down on his policy against conflict-of-interest (COI) among bureau officials and employees with the release of a new memorandum order mandating them to submit a verified affidavit declaring either the absence of any business or familial ties in the customs brokerage industry, or full disclosure of such interests where applicable.

The release last September 9 of CMO 39-2025 is the clearest sign from Commissioner Nepomuceno that he is serious in implementing the policy, his first major policy directive that he announced on his first working day at the bureau last July 1, 2025.

The policy, he stressed, is in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to promote integrity and transparency in government service.

CMO 39-2025 complements CMO 49-2025 signed by Comm. Nepomuceno last September 3, which mandates the “full coverage” of all Customs’ condemnation activities “in its entirety” in the spirit of transparency and accountability (Pinoy Exposé, September 9, 2025).

CMO 39-2025 further stipulates that the verified affidavit must be made within 10 days from its publication or posting.

Similarly, the same period of time is given to any customs’ official or employee’s assumption of office, transfer of ownership or equity in customs brokerage firms, marriage with a party engaged in customs brokerage, or other similar circumstances.

Under the Revised Civil Service Rules and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, public servants are prohibited from engaging in private businesses or activities that may unduly influence or interfere with the performance of their official duties.

Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized that the measure reflects the BOC’s dedication to the highest standards of good governance, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s administration’s thrust of strengthening transparency and accountability in public institutions.

“This directive is meant to protect the integrity of our service and ensure that our officials and personnel remain free from any conflict of interest in the performance of their duties,” he added.