The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Batangas collected a record P24.54 billion in September 2026, exceeding its monthly revenue target by P1.898 billion as the port sustained above-target collections through the third quarter.
The September haul was 8.38 percent above the P22.642-billion target and surpassed the previous monthly record of P24.208 billion, set in July, by approximately P332.59 million.
The latest figures brought the port’s cumulative collections for January to September to P190.233 billion, or P3.874 billion above its nine-month target of P186.359 billion. The surplus represented a 2.08 percent outperformance against the cumulative goal.
For the third quarter, collections reached P69.348 billion, exceeding the P67.178-billion target by P2.170 billion, or 3.23 percent.
The results point to sustained revenue performance at one of the country’s major customs gateways, although the collection figures alone do not establish whether the gains stemmed primarily from higher import volumes, changes in the composition or value of imports, improved compliance, or more effective customs administration.
The port had already posted substantial surpluses earlier in the year. In March, collections reached P22.212 billion, beating the P19.160-billion target by P3.052 billion. April also exceeded its revenue goal by P2.276 billion, according to the port’s reported figures.
District Collector Carmelita Talusan attributed the performance to tighter revenue monitoring, improved customs assessment and collection, trade facilitation measures, and closer coordination with importers, customs brokers, shipping lines and other stakeholders.
Talusan said the record reflected the collective efforts of customs personnel and industry partners to improve compliance and operational efficiency.
The sustained surplus also gives the port a stronger position heading into the final quarter, though maintaining the pace will depend on collection conditions and the port’s ability to meet its remaining targets without compromising the efficient processing of legitimate trade.
The Port of Batangas said it would continue improving customs operations and strengthening stakeholder coordination as it seeks to sustain revenue growth through the end of 2026.
The port’s performance is aligned with the Bureau of Customs’ broader Integrity, Accountability and Modernization program under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, which the port cited as a framework for improving revenue collection, trade facilitation and institutional accountability.
Beyond the record monthly total, the more consequential measure will be whether the port can sustain its above-target performance in the fourth quarter and demonstrate that stronger collections are accompanied by improved compliance, predictable cargo processing and more efficient trade operations.
