The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has vowed to enforce President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 60-day suspension of rice imports with firm resolve. The BOC is committed to ensuring that this import ban is strictly upheld, protecting Filipino farmers from the adverse effects of cheap imported rice and maintaining stability in the local market.

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the critical importance of the President’s directive, highlighting its timely intervention for the country’s agricultural sector. “The BOC will leave no room for violations and will ensure that this ban is fully enforced,” he said.

To support this directive, the BOC is implementing heightened enforcement measures across all ports and Customs offices. The BOC will not tolerate any attempts to smuggle or misdeclare rice and will take immediate action against violators.

The BOC is also strengthening its intelligence efforts and surveillance at key points of entry, ensuring that any attempt to bypass the suspension is promptly detected and addressed. The Commissioner has directed all Collection Districts to monitor closely and coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure seamless implementation of the ban.

“As part of our efforts to combat smuggling and illegal trade, the BOC will continue to ramp up its operations to safeguard the agricultural sector,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said. “We are committed to upholding the integrity of the rice market, and we will do everything in our power to prevent any illegal importation that undermines the President’s decision,” he added.

In his 2025 State of the Nation Address, President Marcos Jr. called on all government offices to serve “better and faster, with more empathy and integrity.” He also stressed the importance of working together and focusing on the priority concerns of the country and its citizens.

In response, the BOC is intensifying its efforts to enhance service delivery and uphold consistent, fair enforcement of customs laws. As of the end of July, the BOC has seized around PHP 354 million worth of smuggled agricultural goods.

The BOC remains steadfast in its support for government priorities, especially in times of urgent national concern. By strictly enforcing the rice importation ban, the agency reinforces its commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring its actions respond to the immediate needs of Filipino communities.

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