By Tracy Cabrera
MALATE, Manila — Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno remains focused on the agency’s digitalization drive despite reports of a possible leadership reshuffle that could affect several high-ranking officials.
Speaking at a media forum at Cafe Adriatico in Malate, Manila, Nepomuceno said the bureau is exploring a public-private partnership (PPP) to finance technology upgrades amid limited government funding.
He disclosed that the BoC was allocated only ₱5.9 billion in the proposed 2027 national budget, falling short of the resources needed to modernize its operations and improve its capabilities.
Nepomuceno said lawmakers had expressed consideration for the agency’s request for an additional ₱10 billion to support its programs and enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.
Despite the budget constraints and speculation over changes in the bureau’s leadership, the Customs chief maintained that digitalization remains a priority.
He also revealed plans to regularize at least 82 percent of the BoC’s approximately 6,000 personnel nationwide. He noted that regular plantilla employees currently account for only 16 percent of the agency’s total workforce.
Nepomuceno said the move aims to strengthen accountability and responsibility among employees, particularly those who have served the agency for an extended period.
“We will be doing this to exact accountability and responsibility on our employees, who have been with us for so long,” he said.
The proposed personnel regularization and technology upgrades form part of the bureau’s efforts to improve institutional performance and operational efficiency.
ia/xf
