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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno vowed to maintain a “zero-tolerance” policy against agricultural smuggling during a gathering with members of the MAGSASAKA Partylist and farmer leaders from Luzon
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He assured the farmers that the agency will keep enhancing border security and enforcement to combat illicit trade
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He said the BOC would work to protect local producers and ensure fair competition against illegally imported agricultural products
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He also told the group that the BOC is pursuing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives on revenue collection, anti-corruption measures and agency modernization
Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has vowed to maintain a “zero-tolerance” policy against agricultural smuggling, assuring Filipino farmers that the agency will continue strengthening border protection and enforcement against illicit trade.
Nepomuceno – in a gathering with members of the MAGSASAKA Partylist and farmer leaders from Pampanga, Bataan, Aurora, Tarlac, Zambales, and Nueva Ecija – acknowledged that agricultural smuggling affects farmers’ and fisherfolk’s livelihoods.
“When there is smuggling, it affects the livelihood of our farmers and fishermen. I understand that,” Nepomuceno said. “Many Filipinos rely on agriculture to survive. That’s why we are not only fighting for products but also for the future of millions of Filipino families.”
Nepomuceno said while the challenges facing the agriculture sector go beyond smuggling, the BOC for its part would continue fulfilling its mandate through stronger border controls and stricter enforcement against customs fraud and illicit trade.
“While I am leading the Bureau of Customs, we have zero tolerance for smuggling,” he said. “I may not be able to watch over everyone, but if someone tries to break the law, we will pursue and hold them accountable.”
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He also highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to strengthen revenue collection, curb corruption and modernize the BOC.
Nepomuceno said the agency has surpassed its revenue collection target by more than P11 billion, demonstrating that institutional reforms and efficient revenue generation can be pursued simultaneously.
“I think we can manage to do both reform and collection at the same time. What’s important is that we collect the right amount for the country and use it for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he said.
The Customs chief said efforts to stop smuggling protect legitimate businesses and local producers while ensuring government revenues are collected for public programs.
READ: BOC intercepts P12.96M in misdeclared agri goods at MICP
“Reforms at the Bureau of Customs are just beginning. In the coming years, our goal is to become a more reliable partner for farmers. Proper collection of government revenue, reforms within the agency, and stronger protection of our borders are some of the most important contributions the Bureau of Customs can make to the agriculture sector,” Nepomuceno said in Filipino.
Nepomuceno likewise assured farmers of his continued support.
“I am on your side. I am your friend. We will do our duty to protect your livelihood and ensure a fair fight for our local farmers,” he said.
The gathering was attended by MAGSASAKA Partylist chairman and former representative Argel Joseph Cabatbat, DIWA Partylist chairman and former representative Michael Aglipay, vice mayor Dr. Allan Policarpio representing mayor Michael Galang, and farmer leaders from Central Luzon.
Cabatbat thanked Nepomuceno for the BOC’s intensified campaign against agricultural smuggling and customs fraud, saying the agency and the agriculture sector share a common objective.
“The Bureau of Customs, under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, and the MAGSASAKA Partylist, we have a common enemy, and that is agricultural smugglers, so we are on the same team. Thank you very much for what you have done, Commissioner Ariel,” Cabatbat said.
The gathering also approved a motion conferring on Nepomuceno the distinction of honorary member of MAGSASAKA Partylist in recognition of his support for farmers and commitment to combating agricultural smuggling.
