BOC Chief Warns Officials Against Engaging in Brokerage Activities

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno

BOC Chief Warns Officials Against Engaging in Brokerage Activities

By Bing Jabadan – Thenationweek.com

July 11, 2025  

MANILA, Philippines – Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has warned Customs officials and employees against partaking in any business or financial interests linked to brokerage activities, or they will face sanctions.

The warning came as part of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intensified drive against corruption and in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for high ethical standards within government institutions.

Section 13, Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Section 3(i) of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, state that government officials and employees are prohibited from pursuing private business ventures that could compromise the integrity of their public duties.

While existing Civil Service rules already impose limitations on government employees engaging in private business without proper authorization, the new BOC policy takes a bold step forward by instituting a comprehensive ban on any direct or indirect involvement in customs brokerage operations.

The policy covers roles such as owners, incorporators, stockholders, partners, consultants, advisors, or any position that could present ethical conflicts.

To ensure strict compliance with the policy, all BOC personnel were directed to submit a verified affidavit to the Office of the Commissioner within 10 days of the issuance of a memorandum.

The affidavit must disclose any familial ties, up to the fourth civil degree, with individuals involved in customs brokerage, regardless of their role.

It should also provide the name, address, and contact details of the brokerage firm.

The disclosure requirement stands firm even if the individual’s involvement ceased within the last five years, whether the brokerage firms have shut down, shares were sold, or an individual was previously listed as an incorporator but no longer retains any stake.

Nepomuceno stressed that the policy is aligned with existing Customs Memorandum Orders 25-2010 and 23-2008, which are grounded in Section 9 of the BOC Integrity Action Plan.

“This is not just a policy; it is a powerful declaration that the Bureau of Customs will no longer tolerate practices that breed corruption, favoritism, or undue influence,” Nepomuceno said.

“We are placing the public good above personal interests,” he stressed.

He urged personnel to fully comply with the directive, which “embodies the values of honesty, impartiality, and professionalism in their service to the Filipino people.”