Customs Exceeds May Collection Target

The Bureau of Customs surpassed anew its collection target driven by its stringent anti-smuggling measures, adoption of digitalization, improved collaboration with other government agencies and stakeholders, as well as dedication of its personnel.

Photo Insert: Customs is tasked this year to collect P874.16 billion.

In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said on Friday, June 2, that the government’s second-largest tax agency collected P77.79 billion in May, surpassing the P72.35 billion target by P5.44 billion or 7.5%.

Rubio also said that Customs tax haul was 17% higher compared with the P66.28 billion collection in the same month last year. The better-than-expected performance recorded in May brought Customs’ five-month collection tally to P359.175 billion, which is four percent above the P345.94 billion target for the period.

Year-on-year, Customs end-May tax take increased 12% from P307.28 billion. The agency traced its improved collection performance to strategic initiatives aligned with Rubio's five-point priority program.

First, the intensified anti-smuggling measures have curtailed illicit activities and resulted in the seizure of contrabands valued at over P19 billion. Second, Customs’ digitalization efforts have streamlined its procedures, enhanced trade operations, and improved processing times and accuracy in import and export transactions.

Incidentally, World Bank Logistics Performance Index ranked the Philippines 43rd among 139 countries, highlighting advancements in trade facilitation.

Third, pro-active collaboration with other government agencies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry, the Department of Justice, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Fourth, active engagement with stakeholders has enhanced Customs services through open communication. Fifth, training programs and incentives have empowered Customs personnel, increasing productivity and contributing to the agency's outstanding performance.

Under the leadership of Rubio, Customs continues to exceed expectations through effective strategies in pursuit of its revenue collection, border protection and trade facilitation mandates.

Customs is tasked this year to collect P874.16 billion.

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