Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recorded its highest cumulative surplus for the January to April period in the past 10 years, with total collections reaching PHP325.808 billion. Based on preliminary data, the bureau reported that it posted the highest April collection in its history, collecting PHP86.4 billion. The figure surpassed its target of PHP78.6 billion by 9.9 percent or PHP7.8 billion, increasing by 15.7 percent or PHP11.699 billion from the same month last year, based on preliminary data.

According to Philippines News Agency, the collection for the first four months of the year also exceeded its target of PHP314.66 billion by PHP11.148 billion or 3.5 percent. It also increased by PHP19.729 billion or 6.4 percent compared to the same period in 2025. The milestone underscores the bureau's sustained revenue strength despite prevailing external challenges affecting global and domestic trade, including the economic impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the implementation of a three-month suspension or reduction of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene beginning April 2026, which directly affected revenue streams.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno attributed the record-breaking performance to the collective efforts of the agency. 'This is our highest year-to-date surplus on record for the last 10 years, and it reflects the discipline, integrity, and consistency of our personnel across all ports,' he said in a statement. 'Even in the face of global uncertainties and policy shifts that affect our revenue base, we continue to deliver results that directly support government programs and national development.'