The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has not received any official directive from Malacañang regarding a change in its leadership, confirming that Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno remains in charge of the agency.
In a statement, the BOC clarified that Nepomuceno continues to perform his duties amid questions surrounding his position, with no formal order from the Palace indicating his replacement.
The bureau said Nepomuceno remains focused on strengthening border protection, intensifying anti-smuggling operations, facilitating legitimate trade, and improving revenue collection.
Under his leadership, the BOC vowed to sustain its campaign against smuggling, particularly the entry of illegal drugs, unsafe products, and other illicit goods that threaten public safety and domestic industries.
The agency also emphasized its commitment to implementing reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business for legitimate Filipino importers and exporters.
According to the BOC, efforts to ensure the proper assessment and collection of customs duties and taxes will continue to support government infrastructure projects, public services, and other national development programs.
The bureau maintained that its operations and reform initiatives would proceed without interruption as Nepomuceno continues to carry out his responsibilities.
While the BOC confirmed that no official leadership change had been communicated by Malacañang, it did not address the circumstances behind the questions surrounding Nepomuceno’s position.
