During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on July 22, 2024, the President acknowledged the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) monumental feats in delivering its duties to optimize collection efficiency, advance trade facilitation, and intensify border control.

Strengthening Border Control

With the seizure of over PhP2.7 billion worth of smuggled agri-fisheries products, the Bureau successfully demonstrated unwavering commitment in safeguarding the nation’s borders through modernized customs procedures and stringent enforcement efforts.

In his address, President Marcos emphasized the importance of addressing smuggling by stating, “Bilang leksyon, ang mga nasabat na kargamento ng bigas ay agad nating ipinamahagi sa ating mga mahihirap na kababayan. Ganoon din ang sasapitin ng lahat ng mga ipupuslit na mga bigas.” He noted that the confiscated rice shipments were promptly distributed to Filipino communities in need. As a testament to this, President Marcos Jr., in cooperation with the BOC and Department of Social Welfare and Development spearheaded the distribution of 42,180 to the qualified beneficiaries in Mindanao and several areas in Metro Manila and nearby regions. This donation sprung from a successful seizure operation in Zamboanga City on May 19, 2023.

This initiative underscores the government’s dedication in repurposing smuggled goods to benefit the masses. The President’s firm stance against smugglers was further articulated with the statement, “Ang ibang mga produkto naman ay ating sisirain o susunugin — bukod pa sa pagkakakulong sa mga mahuhuling mga salarin.”

The forthcoming implementation of Administrative Order No. 23, which introduces Pre-border Technical Verification and Cross-border Electronic Invoicing for import commodities, was also discussed. This mandate aims to establish a more secure, harmonized, and streamlined trading environment, with the BOC at the forefront of its execution.

Driving Digital Transformation

Additionally, the President expressed gratitude for the implementation of the eTravel system, stating, “Air transport and tourism have been made more convenient because of the shift to paperless immigration and customs forms, thanks to the e-Travel system.” He noted that the system has significantly simplified air transport by easing the travel process for passengers. To date, the BOC has successfully fully implemented the e-Travel System at international airports.

Fiscal and Revenue Performance

“The Philippine financial system remains robust and resilient. Tax and non-tax revenue collection has also become more efficient, in pace with our rejuvenated economy”, emphasized by President Marcos when touched the fiscal performance of the country, he urged all government agencies to ensure the judicious expenditure of every centavo, prioritizing urgent needs and socially impactful programs.

Under President Marcos’ administration, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has collected a total of PhP1.730 trillion, surpassing its target of PhP1.601 trillion by PhP126.260 billion, or 8.07%, demonstrating leniency with the government’s directives.

As the nation’s second-largest revenue-generating agency, the BOC continues to strive for robust collection performance to support the government’s funding of national projects, strengthened border protection and simplifying trade processes. Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirms the BOC’s dedication to upholding the President’s vision, ensuring that the agency remains a vital contributor to the country’s progress and development.