The Bureau of Customs said Wednesday it generated P934 billion in revenue for 2025, up 1.9 percent from the previous year despite trade headwinds.
Preliminary figures released for the January to December period show the agency collected P17.726 billion more than it did in 2024.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the growth was achieved despite lower import volumes, the suspension of rice importation and fluctuations in global commodity prices.
The agency attributed the performance to improved efficiency, stricter compliance measures and the expansion of digital systems.
Under the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the bureau also focused on border security and institutional reforms to stabilize its role in national economic development.
Border protection efforts resulted in 1,024 enforcement operations during the year. These operations led to the seizure of smuggled and prohibited goods with an estimated value of P61.707 billion.
Customs officials said these results were led by enhanced risk profiling and closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
To improve transparency, the agency said it implemented several internal reforms including a strict “No Take” policy and an anti-conflict of interest directive.
The bureau also launched the “Isumbong kay Commissioner” online portal and the Balikbayan and OFW Action Center to improve public access to customs services.
The bureau’s reform agenda received formal support from various private sector groups, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Makati Business Club.
“2025 was more than numbers or milestones—it was a year that showed the Bureau of Customs can transform, proving that integrity, service and trust are not just ideals, but values we put into action every single day,” Nepomuceno said.
The agency said it plans to continue its digital innovation and reform efforts into 2026 to further enhance trade facilitation and public service reliability.
