Marcos names new Customs chief

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday appointed Ariel F. Nepomuceno as the new commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC), according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The President administered the oath of office to Mr. Nepomuceno who will replace Bienvenido Y. Rubio. There was no reason cited behind the leadership change in the bureau.

Mr. Rubio submitted his courtesy resignation last May, but he was among the Cabinet officials whose resignation was not accepted by the President.

In a statement, the PCO said that Mr. Nepomuceno previously served as the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and undersecretary of the Office of Civil Defense.

He also served as the BoC’s assistant commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group from 2017 to 2018 and deputy commissioner of the Enforcement Group from 2013 to 2017.

Mr. Marcos’ marching order to the agency is to safeguard the country’s borders and ensure transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.

“As the country’s principal border protection and trade facilitation agency under the Department of Finance, the BoC plays a vital role in generating revenue, ensuring national security, and promoting economic stability,” it added. — Adrian H. Halili