The Special Session of the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC), chaired by Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, with Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen Napao and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port Operations Service (POS) Director Geniefelle P. Lagmay, convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss key initiatives on the digitalization of cross-border trade and ongoing trade facilitation reforms. The session brought together PTFC members to review ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and compliance in international trade operations.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) actively participated in the 16th Session of the Capacity Building Committee (CBC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO), held from February 26–28, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. Representing the BOC are Atty. Erwin T. Mendoza, Deputy Commissioner of the Internal Administration Group; District Collector Jairus S. Reyes, Port of Clark; Joseph G. Escasio, Head of the Learning and Development Management Office; and Rechilda T. Oquias, Head of the External Affairs Office.

In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), successfully intercepted 816 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or “Shabu,” with an estimated street value of PhP5,548,800.00. The shipment originated from Los Angeles, California, and was bound for Cagayan de Oro City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is intensifying its prosecution efforts following the seizure of the 19 forty-foot container vans by the Port of Manila containing frozen mackerel misdeclared as Frozen Fried Taro Sticks, Cuttle Fish Flavored Balls, and Taro Sweet Potato Balls, with an estimated value of PhP202,814,400.00.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recorded a preliminary revenue collection performance of PhP79.343 billion in January 2025. This exceeded its target of PhP78.015 billion by PhP1.328 billion or 1.70%.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, alongside Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., and District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar inspected 19 forty-foot containers of frozen mackerel misdeclared as frozen fried taro at the Port of Manila (POM) on March 03, 2025.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio was recognized as one of Asia’s most influential leaders at Asia’s Golden Icon Leader Award 2025 ceremony, honoring his exemplary leadership in customs administration.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu disposed of a forfeited shipment of frozen chicken mechanically deboned meat (MDM) from January 13 to February 05, 2025 under Order of Condemnation Nos. 10-2024-Cebu and 11-2024-Cebu pursuant to the provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The condemnation was carried out to protect public health and ensure compliance with customs regulations.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) played a pivotal role in the Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, marking a major achievement in the country’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. On February 21, 2025, the FATF officially announced that the Philippines was no longer under increased monitoring, recognizing the government’s strengthened financial safeguards and commitment to international compliance.

Under the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme with the support of United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), in collaboration with WCO Customs Experts, successfully convened a five-day mission on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program from February 17-21, 2025.