In furtherance of their shared goal to boost trade facilitation and economic growth, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Wednesday, April 10, 2025, focused on optimizing customs operations, encouraging investment inflows, and reinforcing strategic oversight of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

On April 10, 2025, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio led an inspection at the Port of Subic, where fourteen (14) 20-foot container vans of misdeclared sugar products from Vietnam—valued at approximately PhP28,728,000.00—were seized for violations of customs regulations and other pertinent legal provisions.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, has updated and begun cascading the Integrity Action Plan (IAP) across all offices and collection districts. This strategic framework is designed to combat corruption, uphold ethical standards, and drive institutional reforms while ensuring compliance with international best practices.

In strong support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to promote a secure country safe from the menace of illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Airport Interdiction Unit (PDEA-AIU), intercepted a parcel containing Ecstasy tablets or “party drugs” cleverly concealed in boxes of gummy candies, along with several non-drug items such as Belgian waffle biscuits. The shipment, with an estimated standard value of PhP7,634,700.00, originated from Brussels, Belgium and was bound for Quezon City, Philippines.

The Philippines, through the Bureau of Customs (BOC), has officially commenced the full implementation of the ASEAN Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA) on February 28, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation, bolster regional cooperation, and align with international standards in the global supply chain.

In line with the intensified anti-drug campaign led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Port of Clark intercepted a shipment containing 1,098 grams of high-grade marijuana, commonly known as “kush” along with 10 pieces of cannabis-infused disposable vapes with a combined standard value of PhP1.663 million.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 7, 2025, led the public condemnation of 2,977,925 pieces of seized smuggled electronic cigarettes, vape parts, and accessories valued at PhP3.26 billion. The event, held at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in South Harbor, Manila, underscores the administration’s strong commitment in combatting illicit trade and protecting public health.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), successfully intercepted 3,896 grams of high-grade marijuana, commonly known as “kush,” with an estimated street value of PhP5,844,000.00. The parcel originated from Thailand and was bound for Legazpi City.

The Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) celebrated its 37th Founding Anniversary on March 31, 2025, reaffirming its critical role in safeguarding the country’s borders against smuggling, illicit trade, and other transnational crimes. For nearly four decades, the ESS has remained at the forefront of enforcing customs laws, disrupting illegal activities, and ensuring national security through relentless vigilance and strategic enforcement operations.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) took a significant step in advancing knowledge management (KM) by hosting a two-day Awareness Seminar on April 2-3, 2025, at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila. The initiative supports the Philippines’ leadership in ASEAN Customs capacity-building efforts and aligns with the Strategic Plan of Customs Development (SPCD) 14: Knowledge Management of the ASEAN Customs Capacity Building Working Group (CCBWG).