BOC launches sweeping reforms to curb corruption after US State Dept. listing

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is implementing a sweeping reform agenda to curb corruption following its inclusion in a list of corrupt offices by the US Department of State.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is banking on these reforms to bolster US confidence in the administration's anti-corruption campaign.

Under newly appointed Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the BOC has achieved a 96.99% digitalization rate and rolled out systems to track overstaying cargo and streamline travel documentation.

The agency has tightened conflict-of-interest rules, prohibiting officials and their relatives up to the fourth degree from engaging in customs brokerage or related businesses.

The BOC has coordinated with the American Chamber of Commerce and the US Embassy to demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in trade processes.