Industry leaders expressed strong confidence in the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) ongoing reforms under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno during the general assembly of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) held at the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in Binondo, Manila.
Representatives from the private sector and BOC officials gathered at the assembly, where several leaders from various trade organizations and companies shared firsthand observations on the agency’s improved transparency, enhanced predictability, and strengthened collaboration with the industry.
The gathering highlighted CICAC’s role as a vital forum for open dialogue, collaboration, and partnership in trade facilitation.
One of the most compelling testimonies came from Rex Daryanani, Chairman of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phils.) Inc.
“The business community stands firmly with the Bureau in its noble mission: to collect the correct taxes, ensure fairness in trade, and to decisively eradicate all forms of graft and corruption.”
“As partners in nation-building, the business community stands firmly with the Bureau in its noble mission: to collect the correct taxes, ensure fairness in trade, and to decisively eradicate all forms of graft and corruption,” Daryanani said, noting the shift from a previously opaque system to one now defined by professionalism and accountability.
He commended Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s initiatives on automation, strengthened internal controls, and the institutionalization of CICAC as a model of open collaboration that other agencies may follow.
In his message, Nepomuceno reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to a service-oriented approach.
“Gusto naming marinig ang kailangan ninyo, again, to facilitate trade, to improve your businesses, and make Customs your partner, not your problem,” the BOC chief said.
The BOC head emphasized that this direction reflects the BOC’s drive to ensure a more responsive and efficient customs environment aligned with the needs of the business community.
Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI) President Atty. Norberto Castillo likewise expressed support for the agency’s direction.
“Nararamdaman namin na ang ganda ng mga ini-institute ninyong reforms.”
“Nararamdaman namin na ang ganda ng mga ini-institute ninyong reforms. We’re hoping na ituloy-tuloy ninyo ito. We are with you dito sa advocacy ninyo na good governance sa Bureau of Customs,” Castillo noted, underscoring the positive impact of the Commissioner’s reforms on customs brokerage and trade facilitation.
While the Customs and Industry Training Institute (CITI) Philippines Corp. and the FFCCCII presented tokens of appreciation to Nepomuceno in recognition of the BOC’s efforts to deepen industry engagement and sustain reforms that promote integrity and fairness in customs processes.
He expressed confidence that through shared responsibility and collaboration, the agency and its partners can build a trade environment that supports economic growth and strengthens public trust.
Their gesture reflected the growing confidence of the business community in the agency’s renewed direction.
Nepomuceno thanked the business community for their partnership and reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to sustaining its reform agenda.
