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The Bureau of Customs temporarily removed the Online Duty and Tax Calculator from its website to allow for system improvements
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The move comes after actress Bela Padilla on social media complained she was being charged higher taxes than what was shown in BOC’s tax calculator
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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said while the current calculator provides estimates, it does not yet reflect all lawful charges required by law
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BOC is developing an improved version that will be regularly reflect prevailing rates
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered the temporary removal of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Online Duty and Tax Calculator from its website to allow for system improvements and to make the tool clearer, more reliable, and more responsive to public needs.
The move comes after Filipino actress Bela Padilla complained on social media platform X that she was being charged P4,600 in taxes for a shipment worth P11,000 but that the BOC tax calculator reflected only P1,650 as charges.
Other similar complaints appeared on social media.
“Surely, we shouldn’t pay almost half of the value of our item in taxes, no?” said Padilla, who messaged BOC and said she filed a report with the courier to ask BOC to review the charges.
In a statement, Nepomuceno said BOC “recognizes the concerns raised by the public regarding the Online Duty and Tax Calculator, and I would like to extend my apology for any confusion this tool may have caused to those who relied on it.”
He said that upon review, BOC confirmed that the final assessment of duties and taxes on Padilla’s shipment is correct and based on the requirements of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and related regulations.
“While the current calculator provides estimates, it does not yet reflect all lawful charges required by law, which may have led to misunderstanding when compared with the official assessment,” Nepomuceno noted.
“To avoid similar situations in the future, I directed that the calculator be taken down until enhancements are completed. The upgraded system will provide a more comprehensive breakdown, ensuring that all applicable charges are properly reflected,” the BOC chief said.
He added that the bureau is developing an improved version of the tool that will be regularly updated to reflect prevailing rates and provide the public with a clearer and more transparent picture of their total dues.
He also recognized the importance of public feedback in improving government services. “We respect and support the public in voicing out their concerns and grievances. We commend Ms. Bela Padilla for raising her point calmly and professionally. Constructive feedback like this helps us strengthen transparency and better serve the public,” he added.
“We are committed to transparency, accuracy, and continuous improvement in our processes. I apologize for any confusion this may have caused and thank the public for their feedback, which helps us serve better,” Nepomuceno said.
Padilla, in another post on August 18, thanked Nepomuceno, who had called her to personally explain the fee she is being charged with and promised to look into the “how shipping companies are pricing their deliveries too.” She also said she is “happy someone listened today and understood that taxpayers expect good service.
READ: BOC sets rules on cross-border e-commerce goods clearance
