Manila, Philippines – July 10, 2025 — In a bold move to restore public trust and uphold the highest standards of integrity in government service, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has issued a sweeping anti-conflict of interest directive strictly prohibiting all BOC officials and personnel from engaging in any business or financial interest in Customs Brokerage operations.

Described as one of the most stringent ethical reforms in the agency’s history, the landmark memorandum was signed today, July 10, 2025, as part of the BOC’s intensified drive to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability—echoing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for systemic reform across all government institutions.

“This is more than policy. It is a public declaration that the Bureau of Customs will no longer tolerate practices that breed corruption, favoritism, or undue influence,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said. “We are placing public interest above personal gain.”

Under the newly issued directive, all BOC personnel—regardless of rank or tenure—are barred from having any direct or indirect involvement in Customs Brokerage businesses. This includes serving as owners, incorporators, stockholders, partners, consultants, or advisers, or holding any role that may be perceived to compromise the impartiality of their public duties.

The memorandum cites Section 13, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, as well as Section 3(i) of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which prohibit public servants from maintaining interests in private business when such interests conflict with their official functions.

Further grounding the policy in law, the memorandum invokes Section 12, Rule XVIII of the Revised Civil Service Rules, which mandates that full-time government employees may not engage in private business without prior written approval. The BOC policy goes even further, categorically banning all forms of brokerage-related involvement without exception.

Notably, the directive also mandates all BOC personnel to submit an affidavit within ten (10) days disclosing any familial ties—by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree—to individuals connected to Customs Brokerage firms. This includes past or present associations, regardless of whether the brokerage has ceased operations or the individual has since divested from it. All disclosures must include the name, address, and contact information of the relevant business, among other details.

The policy builds upon previous Customs Memorandum Orders (CMOs) 25-2010 and 23-2008, and aligns with Section 9 of the BOC Integrity Action Plan, which prohibits Customs officials from maintaining interests or positions in any enterprise that the Bureau supervises or regulates.

Failure to comply with the directive, the memorandum warns, will result in administrative or disciplinary sanctions as prescribed under applicable civil service and anti-graft laws.

Commissioner Nepomuceno described the policy as a defining moment for the agency: “This measure is a cornerstone of our institutional reform. It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to clean and ethical public service.”

The Bureau of Customs urged all employees to comply strictly and promptly with the new directive and to recommit themselves to the values of honesty, impartiality, and professionalism in the performance of their duties.

With this landmark policy, the BOC takes a major step toward rebuilding public confidence and establishing a culture of integrity at the country’s frontline revenue and border protection agency.

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