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Ariel Nepomuceno officially assumes post as new Customs Commissioner

Newly-appointed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno officially assumed office on July 1, 2025.

Nepomuceno, a seasoned public servant, brings with him a strong background in enforcement and public administration. He previously served as Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Undersecretary of the Office of Civil Defense. Within the BOC, he held key posts as Deputy Commissioner of the Enforcement Group (2013–2017) and Assistant Commissioner (2017–2018).

In his inaugural message, Commissioner Nepomuceno reaffirmed his commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives, focusing on four core mandates: increasing revenue collection, facilitating legitimate trade, combating smuggling, and cultivating a professional, integrity-driven workforce.

He emphasized continuity in reform efforts while introducing new initiatives in digitalization, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement. “We will build on the gains of our predecessors and elevate the Bureau into a more modern, credible, and responsive customs administration,” he said.

Outgoing Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, who led the BOC from February 2023 to June 2025, expressed full support for Nepomuceno’s leadership. Under Rubio’s watch, the agency posted historic highs in revenue collections—PHP 883 billion in 2023 and PHP 916 billion in 2024—exceeding annual targets. Anti-smuggling operations also intensified, with over PHP 85 billion worth of illicit goods seized in 2024 alone, nearly double the PHP 43.29 billion haul in 2023.

Rubio also spearheaded sweeping digital reforms, achieving a 96.99% digitalization rate across customs processes and reducing face-to-face transactions. He introduced several key systems such as the Enhanced e-Travel Customs System, the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, the ATA Carnet Monitoring System, and the National Customs Intelligence System, significantly improving trade facilitation and transparency.

As Commissioner Nepomuceno takes the helm, the BOC stands ready to continue its transformation into a more agile, efficient, and trustworthy institution—driven by professionalism, transparency, and public service.

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