By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Synonymous with the government’s continuing efforts to weed out corruption, the Palace outlined the various changes within the Bureau of Customs (BOC) that mirror the Marcos Jr. administration’s seriousness in restoring public trust in government institutions.
At the Malacañang press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted the major reforms that took place at the agency since the appointment of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno in July.
These include the BOC’s renewed stance on upholding transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the agency, as well as the prohibition of conflict of interest among professionals in the business sector and financial interest in the customs brokerage sector up to the fourth civil degree by affinity and consanguinity.
Castro likewise noted the 96.9% digitalization rate of the agency to ensure proper tracking and monitoring of freight in depots across the country, in response to the U.S. State Department’s findings that note the rampancy of bribery and corruption within the BOC.
As of press time, the agency is already in touch with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) and the U.S. Embassy, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to seek clarity and resolve this matter.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement, “The Bureau of Customs acknowledges the concerns raised by our international partners and responds with resolve, not resistance. We have provided information through the proper diplomatic channels to clarify our ongoing reforms and have requested a dialogue with the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy to further strengthen cooperation.”
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