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Newly appointed Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno suspended all unserved Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) that were issued before July 2 to prevent any potential misuse of authority and ensure that field operations are conducted in a manner that is both lawful and transparent.
In a statement, Nepomuceno said his action was intended to reestablish discipline within the bureau, which aimed to enhance its integrity and promote a culture of accountability among its personnel.
A LOA authorizes customs officers to demand evidence of payment of duties and taxes on imported goods openly for sale or kept in storage, as provided under Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Nepomuceno instructed concerned deputy commissioners to submit a comprehensive status report on all LOAs and MOs issued from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025.
“This is not about slowing down enforcement. It’s about doing it right. Our fight against smuggling and corruption must be anchored in discipline, not discretion,” Nepomuceno said.
He said the bureau will implement vigorous reforms that emphasize lawful enforcement and restore public confidence in the institution.
“The suspension forms part of a wider initiative aimed at reinstating discipline in field operations, averting unauthorized or obsolete enforcement actions, and strengthening the agency’s dedication to lawful and transparent practices,” he said.
“We are implementing this step to clearly determine what actions are still pending and to ensure that all enforcement efforts are legally sound, properly documented, and aligned with the Bureau’s direction moving forward,” Nepomuceno added. — Vito Barcelo
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