In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the fight against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) strengthened national border security in 2025 through 1,024 successful enforcement operations, seizing ₱61.707 billion worth of illicit goods under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.
“Our gains in 2025 demonstrate what decisive leadership and collective accountability can achieve,” Nepomuceno emphasized.
“The Bureau of Customs remains firmly committed to transparent enforcement that protects government revenue, legitimate trade, and the welfare of the Filipino people.”
“From dismantling smuggling networks and enforcing strict integrity policies to ensuring the proper disposition of seized goods and strengthening the Fuel Marking Program, the Bureau of Customs remains firmly committed to transparent enforcement that protects government revenue, legitimate trade, and the welfare of the Filipino people,” he added.
Based on preliminary data, the most significant seizures in 2025 included ₱28.47 billion worth of general commodities, ₱17.72 billion in counterfeit goods, ₱5.63 billion in dangerous drugs, ₱4.80 billion in wildlife and natural resources, and ₱1.86 billion in tobacco products. In addition, BOC conducted 85 seizure operations involving agricultural products, resulting in the confiscation of over ₱622 million worth of smuggled agricultural goods. These enforcement actions helped protect public health, maintain fair market conditions, and safeguard government revenue.
To strengthen compliance in the trade sector, the BOC revoked or suspended the accreditations of 40 importers and 12 customs brokers found to have violated customs laws and regulations.
In support of law enforcement and prosecution efforts, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed 64 criminal cases with the Department of Justice (DOJ), including 31 cases involving agricultural smuggling. Of these agricultural cases: 10 involved violations of the Anti-Agri Smuggling Act (RA 10845) and 21 involved violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), reflecting BOC’s zero-tolerance policy against illicit trade and customs violations.
The BOC also continued to implement the Fuel Marking Program, marking 21.102 billion liters of fuel in 2025 and generating ₱247.12 billion in tax revenue.
The BOC also continued to implement the Fuel Marking Program, marking 21.102 billion liters of fuel in 2025 and generating ₱247.12 billion in tax revenue. The program remains a key measure in detecting fuel smuggling, ensuring transparency in fuel distribution, and promoting fair competition in the oil industry.
As part of its enforcement and restitution efforts, the BOC recovered 30 motor vehicles linked to the Discaya family, which were among those cited in the previous Senate investigation related to the alleged anomalous flood control projects. Of these, 13 vehicles were found to have violated customs laws and were issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs).
The BOC subsequently auctioned five forfeited vehicles, generating a total of ₱47.762 million, all of which was remitted to the National Treasury as restitution to the government, ensuring that the Filipino people ultimately benefit from the recovery of unlawfully acquired assets.
The remaining forfeited vehicles are scheduled for auction in accordance with existing regulations.
