THE Bureau of Customs has long been vilified as a cesspool of corruption because of public perception that under-the-table deals take place that deprive the government of taxes and duties that should be used solely for infrastructure development and vital social services such as education and health.
But there’s a glimmer of hope that change is coming with the move of the new Customs chief to institute reforms that would erase the agency’s image as steeped in corrupt practices.
President Marcos Jr. has expressed his full support for newly appointed Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s effort to eliminate corruption and enhance transparency by requiring all personnel to disclose any family relationship with individuals connected to the customs brokerage industry.
Nepomuceno recently issued an office memorandum that strictly prohibits all officials, employees, and personnel from holding any business or financial interest in customs brokerage operations.
This is seen as a positive development that should strengthen good governance and transparency in the agency, and put an end to the system that enables corruption and other undesirable practices.
Nepomuceno’s order is also deemed “a historic step towards restoring integrity and public trust” in the BOC, which many had described to be synonymous with widespread corruption.
The memo imposes a categorical ban on any involvement, direct or indirect, in customs brokerage businesses.
This includes roles as owner, incorporator, stockholder, partner, consultant, advisor, or in any other capacity that may raise ethical concerns.
All BOC personnel are also required to submit a verified affidavit to Nepomuceno’s office until July 20 disclosing any familial relationship, by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree, with individuals who are involved in customs brokerage businesses, regardless of their role or status in said entities.
The affidavit must also identify the name, address, and contact information of the brokerage concerned, along with other relevant details.
The disclosure obligation remains mandatory even to personnel who have not been affiliated with the BOC within the last five years.
These instances include customs brokerages that have stopped operations, those where shares were already divested or transferred, or where the individual was previously listed as an incorporator despite no longer holding interest.
Nepomuceno warned that Customs personnel who fail to comply with his memo “will be met with sanctions in accordance with applicable laws.”
This policy, he pointed out, complies with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the Revised Civil Service Rules, as well as previous BOC memorandum orders.
This is a step in the right direction, as this would no doubt enhance the agency’s institutional integrity:
“This is more than policy. It is a public declaration that the Bureau of Customs will no longer tolerate practices that breed corruption, favoritism, or undue influence. We are placing public interest above personal gain.”
