MBC exec upbeat on new Customs leadership

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati Business Club (MBC) has vouched for the new leadership of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

In a recent television interview, MBC Executive Director Rafael “Apa” Ongpin expressed his group’s confidence in new BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, whom he described as a capable leader poised to reform and modernize the agency.

“We discussed him in Makati Business Club. Quite a few members are familiar with him — apparently he came from the private sector. He has a good reputation,” Ongpin said, speaking on behalf of the business community’s early impressions of the newly appointed Customs chief.

Ongpin went on to cite Nepomuceno’s willingness to adopt innovaition: “Apparently he’s very bright, he’s very up to date with technology — and he has great integrity. So, we have high hopes for this guy, Mr. Nepomuceno.”

Nepomuceno, who previously held key roles in both government and the private sector, is expected to bring a more results-oriented and transparent leadership style to the BOC. The endorsement from the MBC — an influential voice in Philippine economic policy and governance — adds momentum to ongoing reform efforts at Customs, long seen as a critical chokepoint in trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations.

Observers note that such public praise from the business sector underscores the importance of trust and modernization in government institutions. 

Nepomuceno, for his part, has previously vowed to lead the BOC with transparency, digitalization and accountability as top priorities.