Franz Angeles Bernie Anabo Jr.
MANILA, Philippines — There will be no slowing down at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Fresh from receiving another major recognition, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno fired a powerful warning that the award is not a reason to celebrate—but a challenge to work even harder in transforming one of the country’s most critical government agencies.
“Definitely, this recognition will be the start of the harder work that we will do. We will deliver the Bureau of Customs that we have all been yearning to be changed,” Nepomuceno declared.
The bold statement sends a clear message: the era of complacency is over.
Under Nepomuceno’s leadership, the Bureau has intensified its modernization campaign, strengthened transparency measures, tightened border security, and pushed aggressive reforms aimed at eliminating corruption while maximizing government revenues.
For the Customs chief, awards mean nothing unless they translate into better public service, stronger law enforcement, and greater public trust.
The recognition has become a rallying cry for every Customs employee to raise the bar and prove that the BOC is capable of becoming one of the country’s most efficient, transparent, and globally competitive government institutions.
Nepomuceno has repeatedly stressed that Customs must become a frontline agency that protects the nation’s borders, facilitates legitimate trade, and ensures every peso due to the government is collected.
With reforms now gaining momentum, the Commissioner is making one thing unmistakably clear: there is no turning back.
The Bureau’s modernization drive continues at full speed, with Nepomuceno leading what many describe as a relentless campaign to reshape the BOC into the Customs organization that Filipinos have long demanded—one built on integrity, accountability, efficiency, and excellence in public service.
The message from Commissioner Nepomuceno is loud and clear: the recognition is only the beginning. The real battle is delivering a stronger, cleaner, and world-class Bureau of Customs for the Filipino people.
