Key takeaways:
- BOC Commissioner Rubio targets ₱959 billion collection in 2024
- Strategies include modernization, enhanced border control, and intelligence systems
- 2023 saw BOC surpass revenue goals, with a surplus and record seizures
- Finance Secretary Recto commends BOC for achievements, emphasizing collaboration
- Rubio’s proactive approach aims for sustained financial growth and global trade strength.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio is determined to reach the ₱959 billion collection target for 2024, with a focus on stepping up efforts against smuggling. During Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto’s visit on January 24, Rubio laid out the plan to increase collections by 15 to 20% through better monitoring and ongoing modernization.
Key to this strategy is the Enhanced Value Reference Information System (e-VRIS), a tool to protect government revenues and facilitate trade. The BOC is also working on an ICT-enabled clearance system for express shipments and drafting orders for e-Commerce to prevent revenue losses.
Addressing smuggling concerns, Rubio emphasized the BOC’s commitment to strengthening border control. Collaboration with other law enforcement agencies will enhance coordination and information sharing to curb the entry of illicit goods, drugs, and contraband. The National Customs Intelligence System (NCIS) will play a crucial role in boosting intelligence and risk analysis for more effective smuggling prevention.
To facilitate trade, the BOC plans to continue streamlining and digitizing customs processes, with a focus on the Customs Customer Care Portal to reduce face-to-face transactions and promote transparency.
Looking back at 2023, Rubio reported that the BOC exceeded its revenue collection target, reaching ₱883 billion in actual cash collection, resulting in a surplus of ₱9.49 billion.
The Bureau gained global recognition for trade facilitation and made a record-breaking seizure of ₱43.295 billion worth of illegally imported goods. Achieving a 96.99% digitalization rate in customs processes showcased the BOC’s commitment to efficiency.
Finance secretary Ralph Recto commended the BOC for its exceptional achievements in 2023, emphasizing the Department of Finance’s commitment to collaborate closely with the BOC and other agencies for overall government efficiency.
As the BOC sets its sights on a formidable ₱959 billion collection target for 2024, Commissioner Rubio’s proactive strategies highlight a determined effort to ensure sustained financial growth while fortifying the bureau’s position in the global trade landscape.◼
Business Bayani PH 
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