The Bureau of Customs (BOC) surpassed its first-quarter target after generating in March its highest monthly collection for the year.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the BOC exceeded its P197.02 billion collection target for January to March by 8.4 percent to P213.62 billion.
Rubio also reported that Customs collections improved by 13 percent in the first quarter from P188.56 billion in the same period last year.
In March alone, Customs collected P80.13 billion, exceeding the P72.28 billion goal for the month by 11 percent.
Rubio marked his first full-month of service last month.
Rubio attributed the strong collection performance to his five-point priority programs, which focus on digitalizing Customs processes, simplifying procedures, curbing smuggling in all forms, and uplifting employee welfare and development.
“Our positive collection performance for the first quarter of 2023 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our men and women at the bureau. We will continue to implement our priority programs and introduce new initiatives to sustain this positive momentum,” Rubio said.
The customs chief also said the strong performance in the first quarter of the year is encouraging for the country’s economic recovery.
He added that the better than expected collection demonstrates that the government’s efforts to improve revenue collection and promote good governance are yielding positive results.
“I am proud of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Bureau of Customs. This achievement is a testament to our collective effort to improve our revenue collection and promote good
governance,” Rubio said.
The BOC’s consistent improved performance bodes well for the government’s revenue targets and commitment to promoting economic growth and development, he added.
“We will continue to work hard and strive for excellence as we aim to become one of the world’s best Customs administrations,” Rubio concluded.
