The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on July 10, 2024, participated in the 2nd Command Conference of the Department of Finance (DOF) alongside the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), highlighting its achievements and initiatives for the first half of 2024.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio presented the preliminary revenue collection report, revealing that the BOC surpassed its target by posting PhP455.8 billion from January to June 2024, exceeding by 2.98% or PhP13.183 billion, including a mid-year report on import volumes, encompassing both oil and non-oil commodities.
Key highlights included updates on the BOC’s anti-smuggling efforts, resulting in the condemnation of 8,816 cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at PhP595.22 million, and a significant seizure of agricultural products worth PhP100 million. The agency reported 204 apprehensions amounting to PhP41.58 billion, alongside the fuel marking program, which saw 10.19 billion liters marked this year.
In line with digitalization efforts, the BOC actively contributed to the DOF Digital Transformation Task Force. It provided updates on various digitization projects, including the launch of electronic Phytosanitary certificate exchanges with Indonesia and Thailand to streamline ASEAN trade. Additionally, the agency unveiled the Enhanced e-Travel System, integrating Customs Declarations and Overseas Employment Certificates to bolster border control and enhance data analysis capabilities.
Commissioner Rubio also addressed other critical matters, including progress on the Philippines Customs Modernization Project (PCMP), updates on VAT refund applications, ATA Carnet Implementation, round-the-clock personnel deployment, and the implementation of Customs Administration Order No. 02-2024.
DOF Secretary Ralph G. Recto commended the BOC’s outstanding performance in revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and digital transformation initiatives, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing collaboration in achieving national economic goals.
“The Bureau of Customs remains committed to improving operational efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation through innovative practices and strategic partnerships,” stated Commissioner Rubio.
