BOC chief issues ‘landmark’ anti-conflict of interest policy

MANILA, Philippines — Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has banned all bureau officials and employees from having any business or financial interests in customs brokerage companies.

In a statement yesterday, the BOC said Nepomuceno issued the “landmark memorandum” in line with his advocacy for good governance.

It described the policy to be one of the most stringent anti-conflict of interest measures ever imposed in the bureau.

“This is more than policy. It is a public declaration that the Bureau of Customs will no longer tolerate practices that breed corruption, favoritism, or undue influence. We are placing public interest above personal gain,” Nepomuceno said.

All BOC personnel were also required to submit a verified affidavit to the Office of the Commissioner within 10 days from the issuance of the memorandum, disclosing any familial relationship, by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree, with individuals involved in customs brokerage businesses, regardless of their role or status in these entities.

The affidavit must also identify the name, address and contact information of the brokerage concerned.

The disclosure obligation remains mandatory even in instances where the individual’s involvement or affiliation has ceased within the last five years. This includes customs brokerages that have stopped operations, those where shares were already divested or transferred, or where the individual was previously listed as an incorporator despite no longer holding interest, the BOC added.