PBBM ‘very pleased’ with BOC accomplishments
APPARENTLY now getting the right and accurate information about the performance and accomplishments of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Comm. Yogi Filemon Ruiz, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., heaped praises on the agency during its 121st anniversary held last February 7, 2023.
Speaking thru Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno, the Chief Executive noted that the bureau’s actual revenue takes of more than P862 billion last year, which is 34 percent higher than its P643 billion actual target has been “commendable.”
“In fact, I note that all your collection districts have surpassed their individual revenue targets in 2022, which enabled the Bureau to exceed your annual target for the year,” said PBBM in a message read for him by the finance secretary.
Marcos was supposed to personally address the BOC but was unable to because of his official trip to Japan, according to the information reaching the BOC.
Aside from the improved collection performance, the President highlighted the Bureau’s gains in protecting the country’s borders.
“In 2022, the Bureau of Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Campaign has recorded 729 apprehensions with a total estimated value of more than 24 billion pesos, which I hope you will further sustain and toughen in the years ahead,” he said.
“I am thus very pleased as we recognize these and all the other achievements of the Bureau of Customs,” he added.
Aligned with the President’s socioeconomic agenda, Ruiz said the agency would continue to expedite its digitization program to provide transparent and efficient services while curbing corruption and increasing lawful revenue collection.
Prior to the start of the celebration, Diokno himself was given a brief tour and briefing of the BOC’s ‘Command and Operations Center’ that integrates all of its systems and processes from the examination and release of goods to the daily collection performance of the agency, all in real time.
As part of the celebration, Ruiz and Diokno, along with deputy commissioner for Internal Administration Donato San Juan, also presented awards and recognitions to the various collection districts and units of the BOC that have performed well during the past year.
In his closing message, the President also “assured” the agency of his “unreserved support.”
“Rest assured that this administration will give you its unreserved support for the realization of your vision to achieve a modernized and credible Customs administration through enhanced trade facilitation, strengthened border controls, and improved collection of lawful revenues,” the President said.
(The President who was supposed to be the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the occasion was instead represented by the Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno who read his message to the crowd. The next day, Ruiz was fired from his job. See related story. — Editor).
