When it comes to reform, modernization, and serious good governance, one name consistently stands at the center of strategic dialogue between the government and major international industry players—Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.
On November 18, 2025, Comm. Ariel led a high-level consultation with the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC)—a powerhouse bloc of global companies such as Abbott, Astrophysics, Cargill, Chevron, FedEx, Ford, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Mondelez, SC Johnson, TE Connectivity, and UPS.
A clear message emerged from the discussion:
The BOC is ready to align with international standards, with Commissioner Nepomuceno at the helm of these reforms.
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BOC DIGITALIZATION: FULL THROTTLE UNDER COMM. ARIEL
The meeting swiftly reached a consensus—if the Philippines wants faster, more predictable, and transparent trade, aggressive digitalization is non-negotiable. And once again, Comm. Ariel proved he is a leader of action, not rhetoric:
•Origin Management System (OMS):
A new digital mechanism for safer and more efficient verification of product origin—beneficial for exporters and importers tired of bureaucratic delays.
•E2M System Review:
A BOC green light to enhance the entire Electronic-to-Mobile system to better support high-efficiency programs like the Super Green Lane (SGL).
•SGL Process Streamlining:
A firm directive from the Commissioner: fix bottlenecks, monitor delays, and ensure the swift release of shipments for compliant stakeholders.
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REGULATORY CLARITY — NO GRAY AREAS, NO EXCUSES
Under Comm. Ariel’s leadership, the BOC continues to review and update regulatory frameworks to:
•ensure clearer guidelines,
•enforce consistent application of rules, and
•maintain a level playing field for all stakeholders.
This includes strengthening collaboration with industry partners through Technical Working Groups, particularly for high-risk and regulated products.
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COMMISSIONER ARIEL: THE FACE OF ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT CUSTOMS
In his statement, Commissioner Nepomuceno once again demonstrated why both the private sector and the international community hold strong confidence in his leadership:
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to accountability, transparency, and collaboration with the private sector. By addressing stakeholder concerns and modernizing our processes, the BOC is working to make trade faster, more efficient, and predictable, supporting a business-friendly environment in the Philippines.”
This is not mere rhetoric—it is a commitment backed by concrete actions witnessed firsthand by global companies.
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BOTTOM LINE
This consultation was not just another meeting—it was a signal to the global business community:
The Bureau of Customs, under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, is committed to elevating the Philippines’ trade systems to world-class standards.
With every reform, digital leap, and stakeholder engagement initiative, the direction of the BOC becomes clearer:
predictable, transparent, and modern trade—fueling a truly business-friendly Philippines.
And if there is one name that deserves to be highlighted in this transformation, it is none other than:
Comm. Ariel F. Nepomuceno—the new face of integrity and modernization in the Bureau of Customs.
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