By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on officials and personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to prioritize public interest and work with honesty, in an effort to usher the bureau into “a new era of efficiency and integrity.”
Marcos made the call during the celebration of the BOC’s 123rd founding anniversary at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, as he hailed the BOC’s significant contributions to the country’s collective progress.
Marcos said the BOC’s achievements have helped the bureau gain the public trust anew.
“Sa lahat ng opisyal, inspektor, at kawani ng BOC: Lagi ninyong unahin ang kapakanan ng sambayanan. Gampanan ninyo ang inyong tungkulin ng buong katapatan at may malasakit sa inyong kapwa Pilipino (To all BOC officers, inspectors, and staff: Always put the welfare of the people first. Perform your duties with full honesty and concern for your fellow Filipinos),” he said.
“Nakabantay ang buong bayan. Kaya naman, patuloy tayong magsumikap para sa minimithing landas patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas (The entire nation is watching. Therefore, let us continue to strive for the desired path towards a New Philippines),” Marcos added.
Marcos stressed that since the start of his administration, the BOC has been relentless in improving trade facilitation, noting that the bureau achieved a 96.99 percent digitalization rate, as of December 2024.
He said the digitalization of 161 of the 166 customs processes has enabled the BOC to “close the gaps that provided an avenue of corruption.”
“I shall be direct: Throughout its 123-year history, the Bureau of Customs has never had an easy time. Various controversies and corruption allegations have eroded the public’s trust. But we are changing that. We will allow your accomplishments to speak for themselves,” Marcos said.
Marcos said initiatives such as the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, the Enhanced e-Travel System, the ATA Carnet Monitoring System also provide safeguards against inefficiency.
He also lauded the BOC for collecting PHP931 billion in 2024, higher by PHP40 billion than the PHP890 billion logged in 2023.
“These numbers are significant as they are used in the development of our educational systems, our infrastructure systems, and as you well know many, many more,” Marcos said.
Marcos emphasized that aside from collecting revenue, the BOC continues to safeguard the Philippine borders against exploitation, seizing over PHP85 billion worth of smuggled goods in 2024, almost double the PHP43 billion recorded in 2023.
He said the BOC’s “major achievement” in the fight against smuggling helps in protecting local farmers and ensuring that illicit agricultural products would not enter the local market.
“Those encompassed large seizures of illegal vape products, counterfeit items, [and] unlawful fuel shipments. This will allow our businesses to compete more fairly in the market, and our consumers to enjoy more competitive prices, [and] our people will save money in the long run,” Marcos said, adding that the BOC is also involved in the government’s efforts to stop agricultural smuggling.
Marcos also commended the BOC for de-accrediting 56 importers and customs brokers involved in illegal and questionable activities, noting that 45 criminal complaints have already been filed against the offenders, with 18 of whom were convicted.
“Three Customs employees were dismissed due to misconduct or inefficiency, and five others were suspended,” Marcos said. “For the law to be fair, it must apply to all, especially to us who are in public service. The people have placed their trust in us, and they deserve nothing less than our utmost diligence, our integrity, and our total accountability.”
Anchored in the theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” this year’s anniversary celebration highlighted the BOC’s remarkable progress in fulfilling its three-fold mandate: revenue collection, trade facilitation and border protection.
The BOC stands as the second largest revenue-generating agency under the Department of Finance. It said it remains dedicated to creating an environment that promotes efficiency, transparency and trust that contributes significantly to national progress and furthering its role in the country’s economy and security. (PNA)
