Business leaders affirm confidence in BOC reforms

MANILA, Philippines — Industry leaders expressed strong confidence in the Bureau of Customs’ ongoing reforms under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno during the general assembly of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) held last month 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.

One of the most compelling testimonies came from Rex Daryanani, chairman of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phils.) Inc. “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 decisively eradicate all forms of graft and corruption,” he said.

He commended Nepomuceno’s initiatives on automation, strengthened internal control and the institutionalization of CICAC as a model of open collaboration that other agencies may follow.

Nepomuceno reiterated the BOC’s commitment to a service-oriented approach, stating, “Gusto naming marinig ang kailangan ninyo, again, to facilitate trade, to improve your businesses and to make Customs your partner, not your problem.”

Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. president Norberto Castillo likewise expressed support for the agency’s direction. “We are with you on your advocacy of good governance.”