Customs collections hit a decade high early this year, buoyed by stronger enforcement and digital reforms that pushed revenues beyond targets despite global headwinds.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported total collections of P325.808 billion from January to April 2026, exceeding its target of P314.660 billion by P11.148 billion, or 3.5 percent.
The figure marks the agency’s highest cumulative surplus for the period in the past 10 years.
The four-month haul also reflects a 6.4 percent increase, or P19.729 billion higher than collections in the same period last year, signaling a strong start toward the agency’s trillion-peso goal for 2026.
In April alone, the BOC posted a record P86.400 billion in collections, surpassing its P78.600 billion target by P7.800 billion, or 9.9 percent.
The amount is also 15.7 percent higher than April 2025 collections.
The agency achieved the milestone despite external pressures affecting trade, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the implementation of reduced excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene starting April, which trimmed potential revenues.
Under the Department of Finance, led by Frederick D. Go, the BOC has intensified reforms aligned with directives from Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen fiscal performance.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno attributed the record performance to sustained institutional reforms and the collective effort of personnel across ports nationwide.
He said the agency’s gains reflect improved discipline and consistency, noting that the bureau continues to deliver strong results despite global uncertainties and policy shifts affecting its revenue base.
Officials said the surge in collections was driven not by higher tax rates but by tighter enforcement, enhanced valuation systems, and expanded digitalization under the agency’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) program.
The program focuses on improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery through real-time monitoring systems and streamlined customs processes, helping ensure accurate tax collection while facilitating legitimate trade.
The BOC said the sustained growth highlights long-term institutional strengthening, positioning the bureau as a reliable revenue pillar supporting government programs and national development.
Photo courtesy of BOC
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