THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized more than P80 billion worth of smuggled goods and filed complaints against 270 respondents, its top official revealed on Friday.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the seizures included agricultural products, drugs, and electronics, disputing claims that the agency was only confiscating smuggled goods without holding those responsible accountable.
“Cases had already been filed in court, and many were being heard,” said Nepomuceno, adding that he expects convictions and imprisonment to deter smugglers and Customs personnel involved in illegal activities.
“If we win cases in court and someone goes to jail, the smugglers, our personnel, and personnel of other agencies will really be afraid,” according to the BOC chief, who assumed the bureau’s top post in July last year.
He also confirmed he already ordered a full-scale overhaul of the Port of Subic following incidents involving seized goods and allegedly misdeclared shipments.
Nepomuceno said Customs personnel had previously seized smuggled onions and carrots that were supposed to be destroyed at a condemnation facility in Bulacan.
Instead, he said someone allegedly tried to sell the seized goods, forcing him to relieve key officials at the port while the investigation was being conducted.
While the concerned port officials were issued show-cause orders and would be given due process, they had already been relieved from their posts to ensure a thorough investigation, according to the BOC official.
“Personnel found responsible would be held accountable and could face charges,” said the top BOC official during a tele-radio interview.
Nepomuceno also disclosed a separate major case involving a shipment of chicken products at Subic, which was passed off as chicken lollipops, he said.
The incidents prompted him to order an overhaul of the port, which he identified as one of the country's major Customs facilities.
Nepomuceno said the BOC's long-term strategy against smuggling and corruption would rely heavily on modernization and automation.
The bureau has identified five modernization projects, with information technology solutions forming a major component, including applications involving artificial intelligence and blockchain.
He said the most important project is the automation of the Customs Processing System to minimize human discretion in transactions.
He stressed that the system would automate the process from filing and assessment to payment and cargo release. He said artificial intelligence could determine the amount an importer would have to pay based on the information submitted.
The BOC, which has 56 ports nationwide, including 17 major ports and 39 subports, said it is also upgrading its cargo scanning and X-ray machines, he said.
The modernization program is expected to begin rolling out next year after the required procurement processes are completed, it revealed.
In particular, Nepomuceno said the Customs Processing System could be rolled out in June or July 2027, initially in three ports.
