BOC fetes stakeholders, showcases ‘Five Point Priority Programs’

JTI Philippines cited as PH ‘top taxpayer’ for 2022

On Mar 21, 2023

Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio (center), lead in the honoring of the agency’s various stakeholders where the customs chief also bared his ‘Five Point Priority Programs’ the BOC would pursue under his administration, March 17, 2023 (photo credit: Dexter Gatoc/BOC-PIAD).

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) last March 17, 2023, rolled out the red carpet for its various stakeholders as it also showcased its ‘Five Point Priority Programs’ under the stewardship of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.

“The Five-Point Priority Program is the testament of our commitment to improving efficiency, upgrading systems and processes, and promoting integrity and professionalism,” said Commissioner Rubio in his address to the crowd that includes Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno as special guest.

The programs are a reiteration of the priorities the customs chief referred to when he formally assumed the top customs post last February 13, 2023.

A former BOC director, Rubio succeeded Comm. Yogi Filemon Ruiz who was customs chief from July 2022.

Under Rubio, the BOC would focus its attention to the following: (1) digitalization of customs processes; (2) hit and surpass its annual collection target; (3) simplify procedures and facilitate secure trade; (4) curb smuggling in all forms; and (5) uplift employee welfare and development.

In response, Secretary Diokno expressed appreciation in the presentation made by the customs chief, remarking, “I believe Commissioner Rubio has perfectly captured in his presentation the depth and breadth of the bureau’s achievements, plans, and programs to help us sustain (its) gains.”

Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio in animated discussion with Finance Secretary Ben Diokno during the event (BOC-PIAD).

“I challenge the Bureau of Customs to set a fresh vision and even loftier targets. I believe that you have what it takes to become a modern and world-class institution,” the finance chief added.

The occasion, Rubio added, is also another opportunity for the agency to strengthen its partnership with its stakeholders, emphasizing that feedbacks and the evaluation of its stakeholders shall always guide his decisions as he also announced the creation of an ‘Advisory Council’ which shall act as the official forum for communications and consultations between the BOC and the business community.

Among its intended functions is to assist the Commissioner in achieving excellent delivery of customs policies and services and identifying obstacles in trade facilitation that result in delays and unnecessary costs.

“We believe that by bringing together various stakeholders to form an industry-wide advisory council, we will be able to develop even more relevant policies that respond to our present needs,” Commissioner Rubio stressed.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of the bureau’s top importers for 2022. They include: Petron Corporation, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc., and Seaoil Philippines Inc., to name a few.

Aside from plugging revenue leakages, the BOC attributes its success to its importers, who had fully complied with their payable duties and taxes, contributing to the positive collection performance of the agency.

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Philippines was awarded by the Bureau of Customs-Post Clearance Audit Group (BOC-PCAG) as its Top 2 Taxpayer for 2022 during a simple ceremony held at the bureau’s main office, February 15, 2023. From left: Rafael Ledesma, JTI Philippines Government Relations manager; BOC-PCAG Director Fernandino Tuazon; BOC Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Maronilla; JTI Philippines Tax manager Idessa De Leon; JTI Philippines Media and Public Affairs manager Dennis Gadil; and PCAG audit team leader Melvin Banzon (photo: BOC-PIAD).

He noted that from January 1 to March 13, the BOC already posted a total collection of P166.973 billion, achieving a surplus of P13.951 billion from its target of P153 billion for the period.

JTI Philippines cited as PH’s top taxpayer

The recognition of the country’s biggest importers follows a related ceremony last February 15, 2023, by the BOC where it recognized the country’s top taxpayers last year that enabled the agency to surpass its annual collection targe of P643 billion by more than 34 percent after lodging P862 billion in actual collection.

Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Maronilla, who presided the ceremony, lauded the awardees “for their exemplary tax compliance and commitment to paying taxes responsibly.”

The top ten taxpayers based on duties and taxes paid include (1) Mondelez Philippines Inc; (2) JT International (Philippines) Inc.; (3) GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Inc.; (4) Unilever Philippines, Inc.; (5) Chevron Philippines Inc.; (6) Nestle Philippines Inc.; (7) Novartis Health Care Phils Inc.; (8) Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation; (9) Fast Retailing Philippines Inc.; and, (10) Toyota Motor Philippines.

Meanwhile, the top five taxpayers based on voluntary compliance include (1) Nestle Philippines Inc.; (2) Wyeth Philippines Inc.; (3) JT International (Philippines) Inc.; (4) Mondelez Philippines Inc; (5) Henkel Philippines Applied Technologies Inc / Henkel Philippines, Inc.