BOC chief orders personnel to disclose ties with customs brokers

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has issued a directive to all officials, employees, and personnel of the agency to disclose ties with entities or individuals involved in customs brokerage.

In a statement, the BOC said Nepomuceno issued Memorandum No. 39-2025, which prohibits Customs personnel from engaging in, or the pursuit of commercial or business interests with entities involved in customs brokerage. 

In line with this, the Customs chief ordered all BOC staff to declare  familial relations with individuals engaged in the customs brokerage profession, “consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote integrity and transparency in government service.”

Under the memorandum signed on September 09, 2025, all BOC personnel are required to file a verified affidavit declaring either the absence of any business or familial ties in the customs brokerage industry, or full disclosure of such interests where applicable. 

Submissions must be made within 10 days from publication or posting of the directive, upon assumption of office, transfer of ownership or equity in customs brokerage firms, marriage with a party engaged in customs brokerage, or other similar circumstances.

The BOC, citing Revised Civil Service Rules and Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, said that public servants are prohibited from engaging in private businesses or activities that may unduly influence or interfere with the performance of their official duties.

Nepomuceno said that his directive “reflects the BOC’s dedication to the highest standards of good governance, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s administration’s thrust of strengthening transparency and accountability in public institutions.”

“This directive is meant to protect the integrity of our service and ensure that our officials and personnel remain free from any conflict of interest in the performance of their duties,” said the Customs chief. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News