When the Bureau of Customs – Port of Manila speaks about performance, it does not whisper. It roars.

And behind that roar stands a leadership triangle that is fast becoming one of the most formidable forces inside the Bureau of Customs today — Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent “Jet” Maronilla, and Port of Manila District Collector Rizalino Jose “RJ” Torralba.

On March 10, 2026, the Port of Manila once again flexed its muscle as it held its Stakeholders’ Awarding Ceremony, honoring the private sector players who help keep the country’s largest customs port running like a high-performance engine.

But make no mistake about it — this was not just an awards night.

It was a show of power, partnership, and performance.

Leading the charge was District Collector RJ Torralba, the man steering the country’s premier port through a period of relentless revenue production and operational discipline. Known inside the Bureau as a results-driven leader, Torralba welcomed the Port’s biggest industry players — importers, customs brokers, exporters, and deconsolidators — acknowledging that the Port’s success is built not only on enforcement but also on strong cooperation with legitimate traders.

“Progress happens when government and industry move in the same direction,” Torralba emphasized as he congratulated the awardees.

And the numbers back him up.

Under Torralba’s watch, the Port of Manila continues to dominate the Bureau’s revenue collections, proving that strong leadership combined with industry cooperation can deliver serious results for the country.

Representing the top leadership of the Bureau was Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip “Jet” Maronilla, who delivered the keynote message on behalf of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

Maronilla’s message was clear and unmistakable: the Bureau is pushing forward with reforms, and the private sector must move with it.

Speaking for Commissioner Nepomuceno, Maronilla highlighted the critical role of stakeholders in ensuring that trade flows smoothly while remaining firmly within the boundaries of customs laws and regulations.

The directive from the top is simple — facilitate legitimate trade, crush smuggling, and build a modern customs system that works for the nation.

And that vision is coming straight from the man at the helm of the Bureau.

Since assuming leadership, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has been driving an aggressive push for transparency, efficiency, and stronger enforcement across all ports, turning the Bureau into a more disciplined revenue-generating machine.

The Port of Manila is proving to be one of the strongest pillars of that mission.

During the ceremony, the Port recognized its most reliable industry partners, awarding plaques to the Top 10 Importers and Top 10 Customs Brokers, along with the Top 3 Exporters and Top 3 Deconsolidators — companies whose compliance, trade volume, and operational cooperation help sustain the Port’s economic momentum.

But beyond the trophies and applause, the message was unmistakable.

The Port of Manila is not slowing down.

With Nepomuceno setting the national direction, Maronilla reinforcing policy and reform, and Torralba executing the mission on the ground, the Bureau’s flagship port continues to prove why it remains the beating heart of the country’s international trade.

And if the numbers keep climbing the way they are, one thing is certain:

This Customs power trio is only getting started.

Spread the news