Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the importance of partnership and shared responsibility in driving meaningful reforms during a forum with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) on September 16, 2025. The event provided a venue for open dialogue on trade-related challenges and for strengthening collaboration between the BOC and the business community.
FFCCCII President Victor Lim welcomed the Commissioner and emphasized the significance of engaging directly with customs leadership, noting that constructive exchanges are vital in pursuing common goals of efficiency, transparency, and economic growth.
In his address, Commissioner Nepomuceno reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to modernizing its operations, restoring public trust, and eliminating opportunities for corruption. He called on the private sector to actively support the bureau’s initiatives, particularly its push for full digitalization.
“A lot of corruption issues are all over the news. I don’t want the Bureau of Customs to be part of that story during my watch,” Nepomuceno said. “Help me fix the Bureau of Customs. The changes within my power, we will implement.”
His message was consistent with his recent policy directives, including the adoption of a landmark Anti-Conflict of Interest Policy, strict enforcement of a “No Take” rule, and tighter disclosure requirements to ensure accountability within the bureau. These reforms, he stressed, reflect the BOC’s resolve to institutionalize good governance.
The forum highlighted the bureau’s drive to forge stronger ties with stakeholders in building a more transparent, responsive, and credible customs administration. Commissioner Nepomuceno’s call for cooperation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to strengthen revenue collection, foster good governance, and uphold the integrity of public institutions in service of the national economy.