Home OPINION BOC SHOWS SIGNS OF LASTING CHANGE UNDER PRESENT COMMISSIONER

BOC SHOWS SIGNS OF LASTING CHANGE UNDER PRESENT COMMISSIONER

THE Bureau of Customs has long been regarded as one of the most problematic agencies in government — plagued by inefficiency, revenue leakages and a reputation for systemic corruption.

For decades, it has been a fixture in discussions about much – needed reforms, yet meaningful change always seemed out of reach.

That’s why it was almost surprising to read that the BOC had exceeded its 2024 revenue targets, collecting PHP 784.54 billion from January to October – 6% higher than the same period the previous year.

Given the agency’s history, I had to double-check. And a reliable source within the BOC confirmed that the numbers were accurate – and the improvement was real.

At the center of this transformation is Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr in February 2024.

Unlike many of his predecessors, who entered office with sweeping promises only to fall short, Rubio has taken a results-driven approach.

His leadership has focused on tightening border security, digitizing payment processes to reduce corruption, strengthening collaboration with other agencies and increasing non-traditional revenue sources through audits and public auctions.

More than just exceeding collection targets, Rubio has begun reshaping the culture within the BOC — an institution long thought impervious to reform.

His leadership is proving that when political will meets strategic execution, even the most entrenched inefficiencies can be dismantled.

Of course, sustaining these gains will be the real challenge. But for now, the BOC—an agency once written off as hopeless—is showing signs of lasting change. And that alone is worth noting.

But PBBM would surely be impressed if he could put an end to the “tara system”—the root cause of why BOC has earned its notorious reputation as the most corrupt government agency.

I might end up with egg on my face, but I’m feeling optimistic – I’d bet dollars to donuts!