The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday warned the public and stakeholders from individuals impersonating Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and other BOC officials to solicit money in exchange for alleged “special treatment” to expedite processing of shipments.
The warning was issued after the BOC received reports regarding a solicitation scheme called “enrollment” falsely attributed to the agency.
“This scheme claims to offer preferential treatment to importers and brokers who pay grease money. For the record, this is not a BOC program and Commissioner Nepomuceno strongly condemns this illicit activity and categorically denies any involvement in this or any other similar solicitation scheme,” the agency said in a statement.
“The Bureau of Customs, under my leadership, will never tolerate or condone any form of extortion, bribery, or solicitation in exchange for special favors,” Nepomuceno added.
He said any attempt to exploit the BOC’s name or his position for personal gain is a direct assault on the integrity of the institution and will be met with swift and uncompromising action.
“I will not allow these schemes to take root or persist under my leadership,” Nepomuceno emphasized.
The BOC has initiated an investigation to identify and hold accountable those behind the scheme.
Nepomuceno also reminded all BOC personnel to uphold the highest standards of integrity and warned that any involvement in such schemes will result in immediate administrative and criminal sanctions.
