Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s revival of the two-strike rule is more than just an administrative measure; it is a call to excellence, a reminder that public service is both a duty and a privilege. This rule, deeply rooted in Filipino tradition, mirrors the way parents guide their children—giving a warning before discipline, not to punish, but to correct and inspire.

The essence of the two-strike rule is straightforward: if a district collector fails to perform in their assigned post, one warning is given. If underperformance continues, a replacement follows. The logic is straightforward. In an institution tasked with safeguarding revenue collection, facilitating trade, and protecting national economic security, mediocrity has no place. Why allow poor performance to persist when the nation itself bears the cost?

Yet this rule is not designed to instill fear. It is meant to serve as motivation—a push for every official to rise to the occasion, sharpen competence, and embrace accountability. Like athletes driven by competition or soldiers sharpened by discipline, customs officers are called to see performance not as a burden but as a measure of service to the country.

The rule must be grounded on fairness and clarity to inspire rather than intimidate. Performance benchmarks should be objective, measurable, and transparent—based on revenue targets, efficiency in operations, compliance with laws, and the demonstration of integrity. With clear standards, officers can find certainty in what is expected and pride in what is achieved.

But more importantly, the spirit of the two-strike rule must extend beyond district collectors. Every leader in the Bureau—deputy commissioners, service directors, division and section chiefs—carries responsibility for the system as a whole. Accountability must flow across all levels of leadership. Only then can the best minds and most dedicated servants be placed where they can contribute most.

This is not a culture of punishment; it is a culture of excellence and responsibility. The two-strike rule reminds us that public office is not a shelter for comfort, but a performance stage. It is a challenge to prove daily that we are worthy of the trust reposed in us by the Filipino people.

In embracing this tradition, we affirm that the Bureau of Customs is not content with meeting the minimum. We aim higher. We set the bar where it belongs—for a service that is efficient, transparent, and uncompromising in integrity.

Therefore, the two-strike rule is not merely about removing those who fail; it is about creating a culture where everyone strives to succeed. It is about building a Bureau where discipline fuels achievement and accountability sustains progress. It is a call for all of us, from the highest offices to the smallest units, to rise, perform, and serve the nation with pride.

 

Spread the news