THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, demonstrated its commitment to cleanse its ranks of scalawags and strengthens its internal reforms with the “cascading” to its lower units of its ‘IAP’ (Integrity Action Plan).
“This strategic framework is designed to combat corruption, uphold ethical standards, and drive institutional reforms while ensuring compliance with international best practices,” the customs chief said in a brief statement.
The IAP is supported by the World Customs Organization’s ‘Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme.’
“Serving as a roadmap for integrity initiatives, the IAP aligns with key principles of the WCO’s Revised Arusha Declaration. It includes specific deliverables and an action plan updated by the BOC’s Integrity Working Group (IWG), based on the previous diagnostic assessment and action planning and the results of the Internal Analysis of Corruption Risks and Corruption Risk Mapping,” the agency said in a statement.
“The IAP,” the agency added, “aims to reinforce compliance with anti-corruption laws, enhance transparency, modernize customs operations, and strengthen audit and investigation mechanisms.”
“It establishes a regulatory framework to ensure consistent enforcement and policy implementation, introducing stricter compliance measures to prevent illicit trade and customs fraud.
“These measures will also strengthen the BOC’s legal foundations for accountability and governance.”
A key feature of the IAP is the Code of Improvement of Internal Control Measures, which fortifies risk management policies, strengthens compliance monitoring, and reinforces accountability mechanisms.
The BOC is enhancing internal audit protocols, implementing stricter control procedures, and leveraging technology to detect irregularities in customs transactions.
“The Bureau of Customs recognizes that integrity is the foundation of efficient and trustworthy customs administration.
“Through the Integrity Action Plan, we are fostering a culture of accountability and transparency that will not only strengthen our internal processes but also enhance public trust in our institution,” said Commissioner Rubio.
Strengthening audit and investigation procedures is a central component of the IAP, ensuring that cases of corruption and misconduct are swiftly identified and addressed.
Enhanced audit capabilities, risk-based compliance assessments, and stricter penalties for violations reinforce the BOC’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption.
To further improve resource management and organizational morale, the BOC is enhancing employee incentives, strengthening recruitment standards, and investing in leadership development programs.
Ethical training and performance-based evaluations are being implemented to foster integrity and professionalism across all ranks.
The IAP also strengthens the BOC’s collaboration with the private sector, including trade associations, logistics companies, and industry stakeholders, to improve regulatory compliance.
Regular consultations and feedback mechanisms ensure that reforms address industry needs while maintaining strict anti-corruption safeguards.
In promoting transparency, the IAP prioritizes open access to customs procedures, the publication of regulatory updates, and proactive information disclosure to stakeholders.
The BOC is intensifying its efforts to reduce discretion in customs transactions, ensuring clear and consistent decision-making processes.
With a focus on digitalization and automation, the BOC aims to minimize human intervention in transactions, thereby reducing opportunities for fraud.
The introduction of electronic payment systems, paperless processing, and data analytics will not only enhance efficiency but also prevent the manipulation of customs records.
The BOC is streamlining import-export processes, enhancing risk management techniques, and integrating technology-driven solutions to support trade facilitation and revenue collection.
The ongoing cascading of the IAP across various ports and offices ensures that all personnel are well-equipped to uphold ethical standards.
The agency stressed the initiative is part of its broader agenda to modernize customs procedures, enhance revenue collection, and facilitate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against illicit activities.
New Deputy Commissioner
The BOC’s anti-corruption campaign is also expected to be boosted further with the appointment of Mr. Michael Cristobal Fermin by President Marcos Jr. last April 2, as the new Deputy Commissioner for Internal Administration Group (IAG).
From the communication sent by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto, Fermin would be replacing Erwin T. Mendoza.