Strong performance of MICP, Batangas Port results to Customs record tax take

THE strong revenue performance of two of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) so-called ‘Billionaire’s Ports’ helped push the agency to its historic, record-breaking tax collection during the first four months of the year that earned praises from Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

Official data disclosed that for the month of April, the Manila International Container Port (MICP) under Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey De Vera, not only surpassed its assigned revenue target but also delivered a series of record-setting performances.

For the month, the MICP generated a total collection of ₱20,859,334,664.91, exceeding its target of ₱20,143,917,919.19 by ₱715,416,745.72 or 3.55 percent topped by its single-day collection of more than ₱2 billion last April 10, the highest single-day collection in the port’s history.

Within the same month, the port also achieved a record 15 instances of billion-peso daily collections, the highest number recorded in a single month to date among the bureau’s 17 collection districts.

“The surplus reflects a steady level of performance sustained throughout the month, marked by consistent daily outputs and strong operational coordination,” De Vera said, as he gave out commendations to the Port’s “top performers” last May 4.

“What makes this month significant is not just that we exceeded our target, but that we did so while consistently delivering strong daily results. The record-breaking days are important, but they are supported by the work done every day across the Port. The real performance comes from sustained effort, coordination, and a shared commitment to doing our work well” — Collector Geoffrey De Vera.

Assisting De Vera during the simple but significant ceremony are Deputy Collector for Operations Atty. Edward R. Ibera, Deputy Collector for Administration Gerardo M. Macatangay, and Chief of the Formal Entry Division Maria Teresa R. Aggabao.

“What makes this month significant is not just that we exceeded our target, but that we did so while consistently delivering strong daily results. The record-breaking days are important, but they are supported by the work done every day across the Port. The real performance comes from sustained effort, coordination, and a shared commitment to doing our work well,” De Vera said, adding:

“If we look at the numbers closely, they show not just growth, but stability. And that tells us that what we are building is not temporary, but rather something we can continue to strengthen moving forward.”

Meanwhile, the Port of Batangas under Collector Carmelita ‘Mimel’ Talusan also earned praises from Commissioner Nepomuceno over its “strong performance and innovative practices.”

The Port of Batangas, based on preliminary data, generated ₱22.21 billion in collections in March against a target of ₱19.16 billion, for a staggering surplus of ₱3.05 billion.

For the first quarter of 2026, the Port likewise exceeded its revenue goal, collecting approximately ₱59.14 billion against its ₱58.75 billion target, reflecting a surplus of ₱398 million.

“The Port of Batangas stands as a model of excellence in customs administration.

“Its innovative strategies, strong partnerships, and commitment to integrity demonstrate how operational efficiency can translate into meaningful results for the Bureau and the country.

“I likewise extend my appreciation to the men and women of the Port of Batangas, whose dedication, professionalism, and tireless service continue to drive the Port’s success,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said, during the Collector’s Conference last month.

Strong performance by the bureau’s collection districts under the leadership of Commissioner Nepomuceno and guidance from Finance Secretary Frederick Go resulted to the historic-record breaking revenue collection by the agency in April and the first four months of the year.

Data from the Financial Service disclosed the agency generated ₱86.4 billion for the month with a surplus of P7.8 billion, 9.9 percent above its assigned target of ₱78.6 billion. The amount is also 15.17 percent higher or ₱11.699 billion more compared to the same month last year.

The impressive numbers also pushed BOC collection for the first four months of 2026 to ₱325.806 billion, again its highest collection in nearly 10 years as the figure exceeded by 3.5 percent or ₱11.48 billion its assigned target of ₱314.660 billion (Pinoy Exposé, May 5, 2026).