The Bureau of Customs (BOC) raised P239.05 billion in revenues in the first quarter, beating its internal goal by 1.3 percent and higher by 3.3 percent from a year earlier, according to preliminary data.
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the outturn reflects tighter governance and the sustained impact of reforms within the agency.
“The Bureau of Customs’ highest-ever first-quarter collection demonstrates that our commitment to reforms, transparency, and accountability is delivering real results,” Go said, noting that stronger revenues will help fund priority government programs.
The January-to-March haul ranks among the BOC’s strongest quarterly performances, trailing only the July-to-September period of 2025, which also set a record under the current leadership.
The agency credited coordinated operations across ports and subports nationwide for improving the efficiency and integrity of duty and tax collection on imports. It also pointed to intensified enforcement against illegal trade as a key driver of growth.
Public auctions of forfeited goods—particularly smuggled high-end vehicles—boosted revenues by converting seized assets into state funds, while enhanced post-clearance audit efforts reinforced compliance and proper valuation.
The BOC said its performance is in line with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen revenue generation while upholding transparency and accountability, alongside fiscal policy guidance from the Finance department.
“Every peso we collect helps fund essential services, advance national development, and build a better future for every Filipino,” Go added.
