Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is set to meet with Homeland Security after the US State Department tags it as one of the most corrupt agencies in the Philippines.
BOC Commissioner Arielo Nepomuceno, admitted he was hurt upon hearing the news, but said they must address and correct the issues raised.
Nepomuceno assumed office in July 2025 and assured the public they will implement full accountability.
Despite this, he also said that as part of the ongoing revamp in their agency, a report has already been submitted to the independent commission for infrastructure to recommend the filing of charges against 10 of their personnel.
He added that the revamp is continuous to ensure that corruption within the agency is gradually curtailed.
Nepomuceno admitted that corruption may not be completely eliminated during his entire term, but he assured that under his leadership, smugglers and corruption will have a difficult time while he is in office.
In connection with this, he said he has already spoken with President Bongbong Marcos and laid out reforms for the BOC, including modernization and full automation to prevent anomalies.
Regarding the ongoing investigation into the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), the agency is set to cooperate when it’s their turn to be investigated.
However, he wished that they be given time to fix the problem, especially since Nepomuceno was not the only one who held the position when corruption in the agency was reported.
He also vowed to hold those proven to be involved in anomalies accountable once the full automation is implemented.