IN a strong show of confidence from the country’s premier business group, Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Rafael “Apa” Ongpin believes that Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno is a capable leader poised to reform and modernize the agency.
“He’s very bright, he’s very up to date with technology — and he has great integrity. So, we have high hopes for this guy, Mr. Nepomuceno,” said Ongpin, commending the BOC chief for his openness to innovation.
“We discussed him in Makati Business Club. Quite a few members are familiar with him —he came from the private sector. He has a good reputation,” added Ongpin in a high-profile TV interview, speaking on behalf of the business community’s early impressions of the newly appointed Customs chief.
Nepomuceno has previously vowed to lead the BOC with transparency, digitalization, and accountability as top priorities.
The endorsement from the MBC — an influential voice in Philippine economic policy and governance — adds momentum to ongoing reform efforts at Customs, long seen as a critical chokepoint in trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations.
Observers note that such public praise from the business sector underscores the importance of trust and modernization in government institutions.
Commissioner Nepomuceno, who previously held key roles in both government and the private sector, has been widely expected to bring a more results-oriented and transparent leadership style to the BOC.