The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has officially addressed the United States government’s concerns, as contained in its 2025 State Department Investment Climate Statements report, which identified bribery and corruption as obstacles to investment in the Philippines.
In a statement on Tuesday, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno highlighted that the BOC is dedicated to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, and has already launched an extensive reform agenda.
“The current BOC leadership is new and has already initiated a sweeping reform agenda even before the release of the State Department report,” he said.
Since taking office in July 2025, Nepomuceno has introduced several key reforms, including the No-Take Policy, which prohibits any form of bribery or unlawful monetary transactions within the BOC.
He also banned BOC officials and employees from holding any business or financial interest in Customs Brokerage operations.
Also, the BOC Chief suspended the implementation of Letters of Authority and Mission Orders to prevent arbitrary actions and enhance transparency and accountability through digitalization.
Nepomuceno likewise expressed the BOC’s intent to engage in a dialogue with the US Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) to discuss the report’s findings, share ongoing anti-corruption initiatives, and explore future cooperation.
The BOC is committed to building a transparent, professional, and corruption-free institution that promotes fair trade practices and upholds the integrity of the nation’s borders and economy, the BOC chief assured.
“The Bureau of Customs acknowledges the concerns raised by our international partners and responds with resolve, not resistance,” Nepomuceno said.
With these efforts, the BOC is working towards a more efficient and effective customs administration that benefits both local and international stakeholders, he added.
