Diokno calls on Customs chief Rubio to prioritize digitalization

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, the chief economic manager of the Marcos administration, called on newly designated Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to prioritize the agency’s digitalization.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Diokno welcomed Rubio’s appointment as Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief.

Rubio replaced Yogi Filemon Ruiz as head of the BOC. Ruiz led the agency in an acting capacity.

“A digital Customs administration allows the government to focus its resources in the identification of higher risk entities, while enhancing the ease of doing business,” Diokno said.

“I am confident that Commissioner Rubio will take on this mission with utmost commitment, integrity, and excellence,” the Finance chief said.

Diokno said digitalization will be a defining factor in the Marcos administration’s bid to achieve modern governance.

“As we enter 2023, I trust that Commissioner Rubio will bring in a fresh vision and even loftier targets to move the Bureau closer to the goal of becoming a modern and world-class Customs agency that ranks among the best in the world,” he said.

Prior to his appointment, Rubio served as director of the Port Operations Service of the BOC's Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group.

Rubio became instrumental in apprehending smuggled agricultural products and dangerous drugs during his stint as officer-in-charge of the Intelligence Division for the Manila International Container Port and the Port of Manila until 2013.

“Rest assured that the Department of Finance will continue to stand in full solidarity with the Bureau in catalyzing better facilitation of trade and investment in the country. Together, let us make our country proud through honest and selfless public service,” Diokno said.

For his part, Rubio said he will accomplish the President’s four directives —hit and surpass the revenue target, simplify and secure the facilitation of trade, curb smuggling of any form, and uplift the morale of the men and women of the Bureau.

His action plan includes the following:

• review and revision of policies and procedures by digitalizing all the BOC processes geared towards the President's call for a transparent and efficient government,
• enhancement of the competencies and integrity of personnel to ensure the delivery of quality public service,
• foster a data-driven culture to ensure the utilization of data gathered in the decision-making at every level of the organization,
• linking actions and heeding feedback and evaluation from partners and stakeholders.

— Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA Integrated News