Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has a very clear and commendable vision for the agency. This was evident in his recent interview with our colleague in the media, Idol Gagambino.

He emphasized the importance of GOOD GOVERNANCE, which, in Filipino, translates to Mabuting Pamamahala. And I believe in his words, because Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has a clean track record, free from any anomaly or corruption.

So, it comes as no surprise that a reshuffling of positions is underway. As Comm. Ariel said, his training comes from the military, and just like in war, you need to assign a skilled general to lead the troops.

What he means is that he will place competent individuals in revenue collection, especially since the bureau has been falling short of its target collections. More importantly, he wants to avoid familiarization.

You know how it works, folks. Once brokers, importers, and stakeholders become too familiar with a Customs officer in one area, it becomes hard to refuse them when they start making special requests. That’s what we call “pakikisama”—a kind of personal accommodation or camaraderie.

This is how the BOC’s target revenue sometimes gets compromised. But really, isn’t utang na loob—a sense of indebtedness—present in every government office? Am I right, folks?

What’s a bit worrisome, though, is that Commissioner Ariel said underperforming Collectors may be forced to retire. That’s easy to do with presidential appointees—but what about the organic (permanent) personnel?

This will be a major challenge for Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, because we all know that corruption exists in every government agency in this country. You can even ask Cong. De Lima about that.

It’s like cancer—hard to cure, especially when so many people at the top benefit from it. Let’s not be hypocrites. That’s the painful truth. Ask Gagambino—he’ll tell you.

Still, for everyone’s information, Comm. Ariel promises to study everything carefully, to avoid mistakes or rash decisions. He said, “We’re in the same boat.” Right, Ka Rico?

Oh, and just so you all know—Comm. Ariel reportedly put a stop to the TARA system. And that alone confirms that it truly existed, because otherwise, there would’ve been nothing to stop. He firmly stated: This is not for show, and no one is inflating prices here.

He has clear marching orders from President Bongbong Marcos: increase revenue collection. We all know where our taxes go, and if collections fall, the country may be forced to borrow money again.

One of Comm. Ariel’s solutions is digitalization—to reduce face-to-face transactions and eliminate the bribery or “under-the-table” culture. Full automation has long been in practice at the BOC, but some still manage to bypass the system.

Also, for public awareness, Commissioner Ariel suspended the use of Letters of Authority (LOA) and Mission Orders, as these were reportedly being abused. While LOAs have a good and legitimate purpose, they were misused. Ask Atty. Des—she’ll agree.

Meanwhile, as I write this column, all District Collectors and sub-port officers have been summoned by Comm. Ariel to the Department of Finance (DOF). This meeting is crucial, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is in attendance.

According to Comm. Ariel, it’s a briefing on how to strengthen collections and eliminate smuggling within the agency. So expect stricter enforcement and major reforms at the BOC.

Comm. Ariel is appealing to all BOC personnel to cooperate in this transformation. His only goal is to reform the institution and rebuild the public image of the Bureau of Customs. Well, good luck to him!

As for me, your humble columnist will remain on guard, ready to EXPOSE any wrongdoing within the agency. Mark my word! Ambot! (Who knows?)

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