New BOC chief bans personnel from engaging in customs brokerage ops

Newly-appointed Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno expressed hope that all personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will comply with a new landmark policy prohibiting them from holding any business or financial interest in customs brokerage operations. 

Nepomuceno recently issued a memorandum imposing an anti-conflict of interest policy in a bid to eliminate corruption within the BOC. 

“Based sa unofficial report, marami-rami rin. Sa halip na hintayin ang official report, inuna ko na itong patakaran para magkaroon ng first step sa solution na bawal na,” Nepomuceno told SuperRadyo dzBB. 

(There were a lot of personnel involved in  customs brokerage based on an unofficial report. Instead of waiting for the official report, we imposed this as a first solution.)

“Bilang regulators, hindi tama na kami rin ang broker. Unfair sa totoong brokers na yan ang kanilang hanapbuhay at industriya,” he said.

(As regulators, it is not right that we will also serve as brokers. That is unfair to legitimate brokers.)

Ban

Under the memorandum, Nepomuceno categorically banned all BOC officials, employees, and personnel from being involved, directly or indirectly, in customs brokerage businesses. This includes roles as owner, incorporator, stockholder, partner, consultant, advisor, or in any other capacity that may raise ethical concerns.

All BOC personnel are likewise required to submit a verified affidavit to the Office of the Commissioner within ten days from the issuance of the memorandum, disclosing any familial relationship, by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree, with individuals who are involved in customs brokerage businesses, regardless of their role or status in said entities. It must also identify the name, address, and contact information of the brokerage concerned, along with other relevant details.

The disclosure obligation remains mandatory even in instances where the individual’s involvement or affiliation has ceased within the last five years. This includes customs brokerages that have stopped operations, those where shares were already divested or transferred, or those where the individual was previously listed as an incorporator despite no longer holding interest.

The BOC has yet to receive an affidavit from employees involved in customs brokerage, but Nepomuceno said he expects compliance within 30 days. 

He also warned of administrative and possible criminal charges for all officials and personnel who will be found guilty.  

“Maraming kasamahan natin sa BOC ang natutuwa sa pagkakataon na magkakaroon kami ng pagbabago on a positive way. Nag-meet kami ng BOC Employees Association, marami rin ang nag-manifest na susuporta sila,” Nepomuceno added. 

(A lot of BOC employees were happy and supportive of the reform.) —Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News