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The Bureau of Customs said it has not received any official directive from Malacañang regarding any change in its leadership
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The statement comes after popular media personality Ramon Tulfo, Jr. claimed commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno is being transferred to head the Bases Conversion and Development Authority
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BOC said Nepomuceno remains fully focused on advancing BOC’s mandate and fully engaged in advancing the agency’s priorities
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has received no official directive from Malacañang on any change in its leadership, and that Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno continues to lead the agency.
In a statement on November 11, BOC said Nepomuceno “remains fully focused on advancing its mandate of strengthening border protection, facilitating legitimate trade, implementing meaningful reforms, and ensuring the collection of revenues that support government programs and services.”
The statement comes as popular media personality Ramon Tulfo, Jr. in a social media post on November 10, claimed Nepomuceno, who he described as “one of the honest individuals to head the BOC”, is “on his way out as commissioner.” Tulfo said according to his “tweety bird” source, who cited Malacanang insiders, Nepmoceno “is being kicked upstairs: as head of the Bases Conversion [and] Development Authority.”
Tulfo also claimed Nepmoceno, during a recent podcast interview, also “seemed to have dropped hints about being replaced.” He said Nepomuceno’s “imminent dismissal” is because he “is not a team player (read corrupt)” and the administration needs funds for the upcoming elections.
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BOC in its statement said under Nepomuceno’s leadership, the bureau “will continue its aggressive campaign against smuggling to keep illegal drugs off our streets and prevent unsafe and illicit goods from entering the domestic market.”
BOC added that protecting the country’s borders and safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino people remain among its highest priorities.
BOC said it will likewise continue pursuing reforms that support the growth of legitimate Filipino importers and exporters, improve ease of doing business, strengthen transparency and accountability, and facilitate lawful trade.
Moreover, BOC said it remains committed to ensuring the proper assessment and collection of duties and taxes, which help fund essential government operations, infrastructure projects, and public services that directly benefit Filipino communities across the country.
READ: BOC posts record P97.5B October collection despite import slump
“Commissioner Nepomuceno remains fully engaged in advancing these priorities. The work continues, the reforms continue, and the Bureau remains focused on delivering results that strengthen border security, support legitimate trade, generate revenues for national development, and improve the lives of Filipinos,” BOC added.
