Marcos lauds Customs' gains amid past controversies, alleged 'corruption'

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. lauded Friday the gains made by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) despite the controversies and allegations of corruption that tainted the agency's name in the past.

"I shall be direct: Throughout its 123-year history, the Bureau of Customs has never had an easy time. Various controversies and corruption allegations have eroded the public trust," said Marcos in his speech during the BOC's 123rd founding anniversary celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

"But we are changing that, we will allow your accomplishments to speak for themselves," he added.

The Chief Executive noted that the BOC collected P931 billion in revenues in 2024, up by over P40 billion from P890 billion in 2023.

Marcos added that revenues collected are used for educational services, infrastructure projects, and other government programs.

"Ibig sabihin, sa tamang pagkokolekta ng taripa sa ating mga pantalan, mas mabilis ang biyahe ng ating mga kababayan, magkakaroon ng sapat na kagamitan sa pag-aaral ng ating mga anak, at mapapagtapos natin sa kolehiyo ang mas marami pa nating mga kabataan," he said.

(This means that through proper collection of tariffs in our ports, our countrymen were able to travel smoothly, our children were able to have enough school equipment, and many youngsters were able to finish college.)

Marcos also highlighted that the bureau was able to seize more than P85 billion worth of smuggled goods in 2024, which is almost double the P43 billion recorded in 2023.

"Those encompassed large seizures of illegal vape products, counterfeit items, [and] unlawful fuel shipments. This will allow our businesses to compete more fairly in the market, and our consumers to enjoy more competitive prices, [and] our people will save money in the long run," he said.

Further, the President stressed that the BOC has de-accredited 56 importers and customs brokers involved in illegal activities.

He added that 45 criminal complaints have been filed against the offenders, 18 of which were convicted. There were also three bureau employees who were dismissed for misconduct, and five others were suspended.

"For the law to be fair, it must apply to all, especially to us who are in public service. The people have placed their trust in us, and they deserve nothing less than our utmost diligence, our integrity, and our total accountability," said Marcos.

"Sa lahat ng opisyal, inspektor, at kawani ng BOC: Lagi ninyong unahin ang kapakanan ng sambayanan. Gampanan ninyo ang inyong tungkulin ng buong katapatan at may malasakit sa inyong kapwa Pilipino," he added.

(To all the officials, inspectors, and personnel of BOC: Always remember to prioritize the welfare of the people. Do your duty with honesty and care for your fellow Filipinos.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News