The Bureau of Customs (BOC) posted P70.327 billion in revenue collection for January, up by 11.79% or P7.415 billion from its P62.911 billion target based on a preliminary report.

With a revenue of P58.346 billion posted in January 2022, the Bureau increased its collection by 20.53% or P11.98 billion this year.

In January alone, the BOC conducted 36 apprehensions and seized approximately P908.137 million worth of various commodities in violation of the Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Among the seized goods were P794.463 million worth of smuggled agricultural products and P104.833 million worth of illegal drugs.

Aligned with the priority programs of Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, the BOC sustains its positive performance by heightening border protection measures and strengthening the BOC Anti-smuggling Program to ensure optimal lawful revenue collection.

Commissioner Ruiz also continues to modernize and initiate policy reforms to combat Customs fraud and corruption while ensuring efficient trade facilitation in the country in line with the Eight-point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.