New Customs Chief Vows to ‘Drain Swamp’ in BoC

Tackling systemic corruption head-on, Commissioner Nepomuceno leads the charge at the Bureau of Customs with a bold “No Take” policy, aiming to dismantle deeply entrenched practices and usher in an era of integrity and accountability.

New Customs Chief Vows to ‘Drain Swamp’ in BoC

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com  l July 30, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Vowing to “drain the swamp” in his turf, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno is embarking on an ambitious mission to eradicate systemic corruption within the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

Through a revitalized “No Take” policy, he warned Customs personnel against accepting bribes and engaging in illicit transactions.

But while Nepomuceno’s firm stance against corruption has been met with cautious optimism, experts and industry insiders have expressed reservations, questioning whether he possesses the necessary tools and political will to succeed where his predecessors have failed.

Nepomuceno’s announcement highlighted the daunting scale of corruption at the BoC.

He insisted that his policy is non-negotiable as he vowed unwavering enforcement throughout his tenure.

“We cannot win the fight against corruption if stakeholders themselves continue to offer bribes or enter into under-the-table deals,” he said.

“This is a shared responsibility. I expect all parties inside and outside the BoC to uphold the same standards of integrity,” he added.

Previous chiefs had seen persistent corruption in the bureau, fueled by a complex web of patronage, inadequate compensation for some employees, and substantial financial incentives for importers and officials who circumvent regulations.

“The BoC’s problems aren’t just a few bad apples; it’s a deeply ingrained system where corruption is often seen as the cost of doing business,” a BoC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

He explained that changes within the BoC require a complete overhaul of the processes, better transparency, and strong, independent oversight.

The success of the “No Take” policy hinges not only on internal policing – a notoriously difficult task given the potential for collusion, insiders contended.

The policy also demands a fundamental shift in the BoC’s culture and the willingness of stakeholders to reject established corrupt practices.

This, sources said, includes importers who view bribery as a faster, cheaper path to compliance and customs brokers who facilitate illicit transactions.

Nepomuceno urged the private sector to immediately report corruption in the BoC, promising that all involved in illegal practices would be held accountable.