MANILA – Malacañang expressed support for the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) proposed Php 29.9-billion budget for 2027, emphasizing the need for additional funding to strengthen border security and intensify operations against smuggling.
During a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, October 20, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged lawmakers to consider the bureau’s funding requirements, particularly for equipment, machinery, and technological improvements.
“Kung ano po iyong proposed budget for the BOC, iyon po sana ang matupad,” Castro said.
The BOC initially proposed a Php 29.9-billion budget, but the House of Representatives approved only Php 5.9 billion, raising concerns over the potential impact on the agency’s modernization and enforcement programs.
According to the bureau, the reduced allocation could affect its automation initiatives and efforts to establish a more effective border control system, particularly in combating agricultural smuggling.
Castro highlighted the BOC’s accomplishments under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, including the seizure of contraband and illegal drugs and the continued collection of customs duties and taxes.
The agency reported collecting Php 757.4 billion during the first nine months of 2026, according to its October 5 report.
The Palace emphasized that sufficient funding would help the BOC acquire modern equipment and strengthen its capacity to detect and prevent illegal shipments entering the country.
Castro called on Congress to carefully assess the bureau’s operational needs as lawmakers deliberate on the proposed 2027 national budget.
The administration maintained that improving customs enforcement and border security remains essential to protecting government revenues and preventing the entry of smuggled goods.
