By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) expects to generate more than P3.6 million from the negotiated sale of a luxury sport utility vehicle and various seized goods as part of its continuing effort to dispose of idle assets and raise additional government revenue.
In a statement Friday, the BOC said accepted bids during a negotiated sale held on July 1 reached P3,642,101, subject to the final approval of the Department of Finance (DOF).
The largest transaction involved the sale of a 2023 Maserati Grecale Hybrid, which received a winning bid of P2.76 million from Fast Car Traders Corp.
The same bidder also secured other assets, including a 40-foot container of assorted household items valued at P280,000, a 20-foot container of wooden furniture worth P62,000, a 40-foot container of assorted commodities and household goods for P53,000, and a collection of coffee machines, water softeners, and other loose items amounting to P450,001.
Another accepted offer covered a solar panel set worth P37,100.
The Bureau said proceeds from the negotiated sale will be remitted to the government in accordance with existing laws and regulations to help fund public programs and services.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno encouraged businesses and interested buyers to participate in the agency’s monthly negotiated sales, saying the program promotes transparency while maximizing the value of government assets that are no longer in use.
The BOC conducts regular negotiated sales as part of its asset management strategy aimed at optimizing government resources and generating additional non-tax revenues.
Meanwhile, Nepomuceno reported significant progress in improving the agency’s public service, noting that the Bureau of Customs is no longer included among the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) most complained-about government agencies.
He recalled that when he assumed office in July last year, the BOC consistently ranked among the top agencies receiving the highest number of complaints.
By December, however, the bureau had dropped to 10th place, and has since fallen out of ARTA’s list altogether.
Nepomuceno described the development as a major accomplishment but emphasized that the agency remains committed to further improving its services.
“I am happy with the progress, but it does not mean our work is finished,” he said. “There may still be problems, but we now have better systems in place to listen to the public, respond promptly, and address the concerns brought before us.”
He added that the bureau will continue strengthening reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and public trust in customs operations.
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