Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the urgent need to digitalize customs processes, calling it the “number one solution” to curb smuggling and corruption.

Speaking at the Supply Chain Security Management Summit 2025, Nepomuceno highlighted the BOC’s critical role in facilitating trade and securing the supply chain.

“The BOC, as the main gateway of imports and exports, is a vital component of the entire supply chain both in and out of the country—we play a major role,” he said.

He warned that smuggling undermines industries, workers, and consumers, stressing the agency’s responsibility to protect legitimate businesses.

“Smuggling is, in fact, a national threat. It directly undermines our industries, workers, and consumers. Smuggling distorts fair competition and hinders industrial growth,” he added.

Nepomuceno outlined plans to fully digitize import entry submissions, assessments, and release processes to minimize tampering and improve transparency. This includes expanded use of scanning technologies, CCTV monitoring, and surveillance. The initiative is expected to roll out within one to one-and-a-half years.

The summit, organized by the Supply Chain Security Management Society of the Philippines (SCSMSP), carried the theme “Securing Tomorrow: Innovations and Strategies for Resilient Supply Chains.”

In his remarks, SCSMSP President Julius Badillo noted that geopolitical tensions, extreme weather, cyber threats, and regulatory changes are reshaping risks. He emphasized that integrating security into logistics systems boosts reliability, recovery, and investor confidence.

The two-day event brings together government, industry, and logistics leaders to share strategies and strengthen collaboration for more resilient and secure supply chains.