The Bureau of Customs (BOC), led by Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, is doubling down on its efforts to fight corruption and improve operational integrity. Through continuous reforms and stringent enforcement, the agency is committed in upholding accountability and integrity in its operations. These initiatives are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption and nation-building program, which strives to establish a government built on trust and good governance.

As part of its internal reforms, the BOC investigated 120 employees for alleged corruption from 2023 to 2024. As a result, 14 employees were placed on preventive suspension after being charged administratively, while 6 employees were meted the penalty of suspension. These initiatives reflect the BOC’s zero-tolerance policy against corrupt practices.

The BOC is also leveraging technology in line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to push for the digitalization of government services and processes for enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Under Commissioner Rubio, the BOC has implemented several key modernization projects, including the National Customs Intelligence System (NCIS), which bolsters intelligence gathering to combat smuggling, and the Customs Auction Monitoring System (CAMS), which promotes fairness and transparency in the disposal of seized goods.

The Automated Export Declaration System (AEDS) was also introduced to streamline export processes, and the Over Staying Cargo Tracking System (OSTracker) to improve the monitoring and management of overstaying cargo. Additionally, the continued implementation of the Customer Care Portal System (CCPS) allows stakeholders to file declarations and applications online, reducing face-to-face interactions and opportunities for corruption. These advancements underscore the BOC’s commitment to modernized and trustworthy customs operations.

To further enhance accountability, the BOC has strengthened its collaboration with the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), composed of 59 industry partners and trade organizations. Through this platform, the BOC engages with industry partners to address trade-related concerns, foster open communication, and provide stakeholders with transparent and responsive government services.

In addition, the BOC, in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO), conducted a Customs Integrity Perception Survey and Corruption Risk Assessment to identify process vulnerabilities and enhance transparency. The survey revealed significant progress in integrity violations, performance management, and appraisal systems among customs officers, while private stakeholders noted improvements in the feedback and transparency system, BOC-private sector relations, and adherence to the code of conduct. Acknowledging these efforts, the WCO highlighted the BOC’s remarkable integrity improvements compared to global counterparts. The agency is now addressing identified corruption risk areas to further reduce vulnerabilities.

The BOC has also ramped up its anti-smuggling efforts. From 2023 to 2024, the agency filed 135 criminal cases before the Department of Justice against individuals involved in illegal activities. The BOC secured 25 criminal convictions since 2023 against erring individuals involved in the unlawful importation of various goods. In addition, the BOC revoked the accreditations of 143 importers and 42 customs brokers involved in fraudulent activities, protecting the integrity of the customs process.

Commissioner Rubio emphasized the importance of these continuous efforts, “We are committed to fighting corruption every step of the way. The public can count on us to make Customs an agency they can trust.”

Through these reforms, the BOC not only improves its services but also contributes significantly to the President’s vision of a corruption-free government that serves the Filipino people with integrity and professionalism.

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