Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has thrown his full support behind Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the newly-appointed chief of the government’s second-largest tax agency to prioritize digitalization.
“Today, the Department of Finance is honored to welcome the appointment of Mr. Bienvenido Rubio as the new chief of the Bureau of Customs,” Diokno said in a speech delivered by Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin during the ceremonial turnover on Monday, Feb. 13.
“I am confident that Commissioner Rubio will take on this mission with utmost commitment, integrity, and excellence,” he said.
Diokno said modernizing the Customs administration must be a key priority of Rubio, adding that digitalization will be a defining factor in the Marcos administration’s bid to achieve modern governance.
“A digital customs administration allows the government to focus its resources in the identification of higher risk entities, while enhancing the ease of doing business,” Diokno said.
Diokno also expects Rubio will bring in a fresh vision to the Customs bureau.
“As we enter 2023, I trust that Commissioner Rubio will bring in a fresh vision and even loftier targets to move the Bureau closer to the goal of becoming a modern and world-class Customs agency that ranks among the best in the world,” he said.
Rubio is no stranger to customs administration after serving as director of the Port Operations Service of the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group.
Rubio formally assumed as Customs commissioner in simple turnover rites at the BOC headquarters in Port Area, Manila, replacing Yogi Filemon Ruiz.
Rubio vowed to accomplish President Marcos’ four directives: hit and surpass the revenue target, simplify and secure the facilitation of trade, curb smuggling of any form, and uplift the morale of the men and women of the Bureau.
Aligned with the Priority Programs of the President, Rubio said he would also push for good governance by implementing sustainable reforms.
Rubio started as a Special Agent 1, an entry-level position, under the Enforcement and Security Service 21 years ago and rose from the ranks.
His years in service equipped him with extensive experience in intelligence and operations work.
Rubio also conveyed his gratitude to President Marcos, Diokno, the DOF, and his colleagues for their assurance and support.