In a significant move to strengthen the country's economic position, key government and private sector bodies have reaffirmed their commitment to work together. The Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) have renewed their partnership focused on improving trade facilitation, the ease of doing business, and digital transformation.
Public-Private Collaboration for Modernization
The renewed alliance was formalized during a meeting held on December 4, 2025. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno met with the leadership of the private sector groups, represented by PCCI's Consul Enunina Mangio and Philexport's Mr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. Commissioner Nepomuceno detailed the Bureau's ongoing modernization and digitalization programs, framing them as strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, cut down processing delays, and make export facilitation a cornerstone of national economic growth.
The business leaders pledged their full backing for the BOC's digital agenda. They emphasized that this shift is crucial for increasing efficiency, ensuring transparency, and making it easier to conduct business in the Philippines. "The chamber fully supports Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership and his proactive efforts to modernize the system," stated Mangio. "Through this collaboration, we can effectively streamline processes, reduce trade barriers, and foster a more competitive environment for businesses."
Addressing Critical Trade Concerns
The discussion also tackled pressing policy and operational challenges that impact the flow of goods. Key points on the agenda included:
- The proposed Customs Amnesty Program.
- Enhanced monitoring of import duties.
- The urgent need to speed up the disposal of overstaying containers to reduce port congestion and prevent supply chain disruptions.
All parties agreed that resolving these issues is vital for ensuring smoother trade operations. Ortiz-Luis noted the importance of focusing on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying, "We appreciate the Commissioner’s strong focus on trade facilitation, particularly for exports and MSMEs. Leveraging digitalization to streamline Customs processes is a decisive step toward eliminating bottlenecks, both domestically and internationally, which will ultimately enhance our export performance."
Forming a Technical Working Group for Action
As a concrete step forward, the organizations agreed to establish a public-private Technical Working Group (TWG). This body will institutionalize the ongoing dialogue and handle the detailed work required to advance the discussed policy and operational reforms. The TWG is expected to ensure continuous coordination and timely progress on the identified priorities.
PCCI reaffirmed its alignment with the BOC's trade facilitation goals, stressing that such reforms are essential for stimulating economic activity and solidifying the Philippines' standing in the global market. The meeting concluded with a shared determination to pursue meaningful and actionable reforms that will benefit businesses, consumers, and the national economy as a whole.
