In an unprecedented turn of events, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recently appointed several high-ranking officials to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), including three (3) new Deputy Commissioners, one (1) Service Director, and one (1) Collector VI. These appointments mark a significant development in the agency’s leadership structure, which is crucial in fulfilling its core mandates of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border protection.

A relevant provision of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), or Republic Act No. 10863, provides clear guidance on the composition of the BOC leadership. Section 200 states: “The Bureau shall be headed by a Commissioner and shall be assisted by at least four (4) but not more than six (6) Deputy Commissioners.”

Furthermore, the law emphasizes that these Deputy Commissioners shall be appointed by the President, with at least a majority coming from the ranks of the Bureau. This mandate ensures continuity, institutional knowledge, and adherence to customs laws and procedures—critical factors in maintaining organizational stability and integrity.

At present, the BOC leadership consists of six (6) Deputy Commissioners assigned to the following groups: Intelligence Group (IG), Enforcement Group (EG), Internal Administration Group (IAG), Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG), Revenue Collection Monitoring Group (RCMG), and Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG).

Currently, except for the RCMG post, all positions have been filled, and none of these appointees came from the ranks of the Bureau. If the RCMG position is also filled by an outsider, the appointments would effectively disregard the CMTA requirement for majority-rank appointments—a clear violation of the law.

This issue is not a mere technicality; it is a matter of legal compliance and respect for institutional policy. The Commissioner of Customs, who is fully aware of this statutory provision, must ensure that no further violations occur. There are highly qualified officials within the Bureau who can take on the RCMG role—preferably a lawyer with deep expertise in customs laws and unquestionable integrity.

In the meantime, the Commissioner may designate an Acting Deputy Commissioner for RCMG while awaiting the formal appointment of a new official, considering the gravity of the position as the nerve center of the Bureau’s revenue collection mandate. This interim measure will ensure continuity of operations and prevent any disruption in revenue monitoring and collection, which are vital to the government’s fiscal stability.

Commissioner Nepomuceno, known for his ability to select the best from within the ranks, is in a position to demonstrate strong leadership by recommending an insider for the RCMG post. Such action will not only bring the Bureau into full compliance with the CMTA but also strengthen morale among career officials and reinforce public trust in the institution.

At a time when the Bureau of Customs plays a critical role in national revenue generation and trade security, adherence to the law and the selection of competent, principled leaders are non-negotiable. The future of the Bureau—and the confidence of the Filipino people—depends on it.

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