The numbers are in—and they speak loudly.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has once again flexed its revenue muscle, smashing its February 2026 collection target and delivering a ₱1.2 billion surplus, marking the second straight month of above-target performance under the leadership of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

No spin. No excuses. Just results.

Preliminary figures show the Bureau hauling in ₱73.798 billion in February—beating the ₱72.592 billion target by ₱1.206 billion, or roughly 1.7 percent above expectations.

That’s not just hitting the mark. That’s pushing past it with authority.

Compared to February 2025’s ₱71.765 billion, the Bureau posted a 2.8 percent increase, translating to an additional ₱2.033 billion pumped into government coffers.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there.

From January to February 2026, the BOC racked up ₱154.747 billion in total collections, representing a 2.5 percent jump or ₱3.729 billion more than the same period last year.

Simply put: the revenue engine is running hot.

Nepomuceno Sets the Pace

At the center of the surge is Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, whose leadership continues to push the Bureau toward tighter enforcement, sharper assessments, and stronger compliance across the country’s major ports.

Nepomuceno himself pointed out that February’s performance defied traditional expectations.

Historically, collections dip during the Chinese New Year period, when trade activity often slows. But this year, the Bureau flipped the script.

Through stricter enforcement, disciplined assessments, and relentless oversight, the BOC delivered beyond expectations.

The Commissioner credited the Bureau’s port collectors and deputy commissioners, whose constant push for proper valuation and enforcement kept the revenue pipeline flowing.

Powerhouse Ports Lead the Charge

Behind the Bureau’s strong showing are several powerhouse ports whose collectors delivered exemplary and extraordinary performances.

At the forefront is the Port of NAIA, where Collector Atty. Yas Mapa continues to demonstrate sharp leadership in managing one of the country’s busiest gateways for high-value imports.

Over in Mindanao, Port of Cagayan de Oro Collector Atty. Manny Zurbeto proved that regional ports can punch well above their weight, delivering solid numbers that strengthened the Bureau’s overall revenue position.

The Port of Clark, under Collector Jairus Reyes, also stepped up with aggressive collection efforts, reinforcing Clark’s growing role as a major logistics hub.

Meanwhile, the Port of Cebu, led by Collector Alexandra Lumontad, maintained its reputation as a consistent revenue performer—ensuring steady collections from the Visayas’ largest trading gateway.

And at the heart of the country’s maritime trade, the Port of Manila under Collector Rizal Torralba delivered the heavy numbers expected from the nation’s premier port.

Key Players Behind the Revenue Push

Equally crucial to the Bureau’s success are collectors whose exceptional performance helped drive the strong results for January and February.

At the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Collector Geoffrey De Vera maintained a strong operational pace, helping sustain the flow of customs revenues from the country’s largest container hub.

At the Port of Batangas, Collector Mimel Talusan delivered solid numbers, reinforcing the port’s importance in supporting Luzon’s industrial and energy supply chains.

Down south, Port of Zamboanga Collector Lenny Abano also posted a commendable performance, contributing to the Bureau’s overall revenue surge.

Together, these ports formed a nationwide revenue backbone that allowed the BOC to not only meet but surpass its collection targets.

The Bottom Line

Two months into 2026, the message is clear.

Under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the Bureau of Customs is not just collecting—it’s delivering with force.

With stronger enforcement, sharper oversight, and collectors stepping up across key ports, the Bureau is proving that discipline, leadership, and execution can translate directly into billions for the national treasury.

If the current pace continues, the BOC may very well be on track to turn 2026 into one of its strongest revenue years yet.

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