By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
There’s a new sheriff in town: someone who is said to be a straight arrow in one of the most crooked corners of government, the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, former disaster and risk reduction chief, is no stranger to the workings and dynamics of the bureau. He once held a position in the BOC, and judging by his first official acts, he’s not tiptoeing around sacred cows and callous clowns in the bureau.
On Day One, he suspended all unserved Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) issued before July 2. He knows very well that these are the very documents often used as a pretext for “raids” that end up in murky backdoor settlements.
This is how I reckon Nepomuceno knows the game: many of these ops, especially in cases involving luxury cars and undervalued imports, don’t lead to proper tax collection — just negotiation. Now, only he can greenlight such actions. The buck stops with him.
More importantly, he’s demanding a full audit. Within 24 hours, deputy commissioners must submit a status report on all LOAs and MOs from January to June. That’s not just paperwork — that’s a signal. He’s watching. Closely.
Then he addresses the larger scheme within the bureau that unjustly enriches many of those in uniform. He orders a ban on BOC personnel having any stake — direct or otherwise — in customs brokerage. So, the message is clear: Stop the double-dipping as regulator and player.
Those caught will face administrative or criminal charges, said Nepomuceno. As a further step, he ordered all employees to disclose whether they or their relatives, up to the fourth degree, are affiliated with any brokerage. Even past affiliations won’t be excused.
The BOC is aiming to collect ₱1.06 trillion in 2025. But how can that happen if the old ways — the “padrino system,” the kickbacks, the favors — continue? Nepomuceno seems intent on changing that. He’s giving everyone 30 days to come clean or get out.
And let’s not forget: his predecessor didn’t exactly leave on a high note. Rumors swirled about power blocs and padrinos jockeying for control of Customs, which has long been a lucrative playground for those with connections.
Now, Nepomuceno says he’s not on the take and he won’t be giving favors to anyone outside of the bounds of law. He said there is no one authorized to drop his name as a pass at the Customs. If anyone claims to speak for him on shady deals, he urges the public to report them.
Well then, let his word be the measure. He’s staked his name and leadership on it. So, BOC insiders, take heed: if you want to stay, walk straight. Or prepare to be shown the door.
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