FROM BIR REFORMER TO CUSTOMS CHIEF — NEW COMMISSIONER VOWS TO PROTECT THE BORDERS, BOOST REVENUES AND CRUSH RED TAPE!

A NEW BOSS IS IN TOWN! And he is not coming to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) merely to occupy the commissioner’s chair. Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza is stepping into one of the country’s most challenging government agencies with a clear message: BUILD ON THE REFORMS, STRENGTHEN THE INSTITUTION, AND DELIVER RESULTS!

Fresh from his stint as Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Mendoza now faces a different but equally demanding battlefield — the Bureau of Customs, where billions in government revenues, border security, trade facilitation, and the country’s fight against smuggling are at stake.

His appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is a major leadership transition that puts a premium on experience, integrity, institutional discipline, and the ability to deliver meaningful reforms.

And Mendoza’s opening statement leaves little room for doubt: HE IS READY TO GET TO WORK!

FROM TAX COLLECTION TO BORDER PROTECTION — MENDOZA BRINGS REFORM EXPERIENCE!

Mendoza’s public service journey has given him exposure to critical government responsibilities, including his leadership at the BIR and previous assignments in the Department of Finance and government revenue operations.

At the BIR, he championed the agency’s long-term digital transformation, pushing modernization initiatives designed to improve efficiency, strengthen revenue administration, and provide better services to taxpayers.

He openly acknowledged that his year at the BIR was among the most challenging and meaningful periods of his public service career.

But instead of resting on his accomplishments, Mendoza is taking on another enormous responsibility.

This time, the challenge is bigger than collecting taxes.

He must help secure the country’s borders, prevent revenue leakages, stop illegal importation, strengthen customs enforcement, and ensure that legitimate businesses can move their goods without unnecessary delays.

BUILD ON NEPOMUCENO’S REFORMS — NO ROOM FOR BACKSLIDING!

One of the most significant portions of Mendoza’s statement was his recognition of the reforms undertaken by outgoing Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

Mendoza made it clear that the work already started must continue.

That is a crucial message to every Customs official, district collector, deputy commissioner, and rank-and-file employee.

The transition in leadership should not become an excuse to abandon good policies, dismantle effective programs, or reverse hard-earned institutional gains.

The challenge now is to strengthen what works, correct what needs improvement, and demand greater accountability at every level.

THE MESSAGE IS SIMPLE: REFORM MUST NOT STOP JUST BECAUSE THE LEADERSHIP HAS CHANGED!

THREE MAJOR BATTLES AWAIT THE NEW CUSTOMS CHIEF!

Mendoza identified three major priorities that will define his leadership at the BOC:

1. STRONGER BORDER PROTECTION!

Smugglers and unscrupulous importers must understand that the country’s ports are not playgrounds for illegal activities. Customs enforcement must remain aggressive, intelligence-driven, and uncompromising against illicit trade.

2. SUSTAINED REVENUE COLLECTION!

Every peso that legally belongs to the government must be collected. Revenue leakages, undervaluation, misdeclaration, and other schemes that undermine government collections must receive serious attention.

3. FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT LEGITIMATE TRADE!

Legitimate importers and exporters deserve efficient customs procedures, transparent transactions, and professional public service. Modernization must benefit both the government and the business community.

These are not ordinary administrative assignments. They are major responsibilities that directly affect the national economy, government finances, and public confidence.

THE REAL TEST: WILL THE BOC DELIVER UNDER MENDOZA?

The appointment of Mendoza brings new expectations, but the Customs community knows that leadership is measured not by impressive speeches or lofty promises, but by concrete accomplishments.

The new commissioner must ensure that integrity is more than a slogan, that accountability is not selective, and that no official is untouchable when public interest is at stake.

He must also inspire thousands of Customs personnel to work with professionalism, discipline, and a renewed commitment to public service.

His experience in revenue administration and digital transformation could prove valuable in pushing the BOC toward more transparent, technology-driven, and efficient operations.

But the challenges are enormous. Smuggling, corruption risks, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and revenue protection remain persistent concerns that demand decisive leadership.

MENDOZA’S MESSAGE: THE WORK MUST GO ON!

Mendoza also expressed gratitude to Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go for his guidance and support, while recognizing President Marcos Jr.’s confidence in giving him another important assignment.

He likewise urged BIR personnel to support incoming Commissioner Rolando T. Ligon Jr. and complete the modernization initiatives already underway.

That gesture reflects an important principle of public administration: institutional reforms must outlive the personalities who initiate them.

Now, the spotlight shifts to Customs.

Mendoza inherits an agency with enormous responsibilities and equally enormous expectations. His success will depend on his ability to unite its workforce, strengthen enforcement, protect revenues, and maintain the confidence of legitimate stakeholders.

THE BOTTOM LINE: THE CUSTOMS CHAIR IS NOT A BED OF ROSES — IT IS A HOT SEAT!

The new commissioner has the experience, the mandate, and the opportunity to make a difference.

But the public will be watching. The business community will be watching. And the men and women of Customs will be watching.

Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza must now turn his reform experience into measurable Customs accomplishments.

NO EMPTY PROMISES. NO BACKSLIDING. NO COMPROMISE ON PUBLIC SERVICE.

THE MENDOZA ERA AT CUSTOMS HAS BEGUN. LET THE RESULTS SPEAK!