President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Friday that government initiatives to reform the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are beginning to yield positive results.
“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,” President Marcos said during the BOC’s 123rd Founding Anniversary at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
“But we are changing that. We will allow your accomplishments to speak for themselves,” he said.
Since the start of the administration, the President said the BOC is continuously working to improve trade facilitation.
As of December last year, the BOC achieved a digitalization rate of 96.99 percent, effectively closing gaps that allowed avenues for corruption.
Initiatives such as the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, the Enhanced e-Travel System, and the ATA Carnet Monitoring System safeguard against inefficiency, expediting port cargo flow.
The BOC continues to protect the country’s borders from exploitation and seized more than PhP85.167 billion worth of smuggled goods last year, almost doubling the PhP43.295 billion recorded in 2022.
The bureau is also involved in government efforts to combat the government’s smuggling, protect local farmers, and prevent the circulation of illicit agricultural products in the market.
Twenty-one containers of frozen mackerel, valued at over PhP178.50 million, were seized and later distributed by the Department of Agriculture to families in various communities and care facilities.
In 2023, the rice seized from smugglers was given to the residents of Capiz and Zamboanga, highlighting how the BOC’s efforts are crucial for development by assisting marginalized sectors.
According to the President, the BOC also de-accredited 56 importers and customs brokers involved in illegal activities.
Last year, the President reported that the BOC collected Php 931.046 billion in revenues, which is Php 40 billion higher than its collection of Php 890.446 billion in 2023. Involved in illegal activities, the President said.
It collected PhP931.046 billion in revenues last year, PhP40 billion higher than its PhP890.446 billion collection in 2023. |PND
