PRESIDENT MARCOS SWEARS IN NEW BOC, BIR, BCDA HEADS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday administered the oath of office to the new heads of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), as the administration continues to implement reforms to improve government efficiency, strengthen public service, and better serve the needs of Filipinos.

Sworn into office in separate ceremonies at Malacañan Palace were attorney Charlito Martin R. Mendoza as BOC Commissioner, attorney Rolando T. Ligon Jr. as BIR Commissioner, and Ariel F. Nepomuceno as BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer.

President Marcos congratulated the three officials and expressed confidence in their ability to lead their respective agencies, citing their extensive experience in public service.

During the ceremony, Mendoza thanked the President for the opportunity to serve as Customs Commissioner, to which President Marcos responded, “We have best faith in you.”

As Customs chief, Mendoza’s tasks are to continue the bureau’s reforms: strong collections, tougher action against smuggling, and faster movement of goods through ports.

The President also expressed his support to Nepomuceno as he assumed his new role as BCDA chief saying, “You know the job so do the best that you can.”

As BCDA President and CEO, Nepomuceno’s mission is to build the next BGC and develop new economic hubs like New Clark City.

In an interview following the oath-taking ceremony, Nepomuceno said President Marcos wants the BCDA to focus on attracting more investments and generating thousands of jobs for Filipinos.

“Malinaw ‘yung gustong mangyari ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na siguraduhing makakagawa tayo ng — of course, aspiration yan – ng libo-libong mga trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan,” Nepomuceno said.

He stressed the need to maximize the remaining period of the administration to deliver results, particularly in creating employment opportunities and encouraging businesses to invest in the country.

Nepomuceno said one of his priorities is to ensure that existing locators and establishments operating within BCDA-managed industrial and commercial zones receive the support they need to expand their operations.

He also committed to attracting new investors by working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Finance (DOF).

“We will be aligned in inviting investors and we will make sure that we will be able to deliver what they need to make their businesses thrive,” he added.

The new BCDA chief also pledged to build on the accomplishments of his predecessor, Joshua Bingcang, while adopting a corporate approach to managing and developing economic zones.

Before his appointment to the BCDA, Nepomuceno served as BOC Commissioner. He previously headed the Office of Civil Defense and served as Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

He also held senior positions at the BOC and served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Food Terminal Incorporated during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Meanwhile, Mendoza brings extensive experience in revenue administration and customs operations, having previously served as BIR Commissioner and DOF Undersecretary for Revenue Operations.

He also held several positions at the BOC, including Attorney V under the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group and Acting District Collector of the Port of Cebu.

Ligon, a former DOF Undersecretary, has decades of experience in taxation, revenue administration, and law, including previous service at the BIR and BOC.

As BIR Commissioner, Ligon’s mandate is to make tax compliance easier for honest taxpayers while strengthening enforcement against tax evaders.

He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo School of Law in 1996 and pursued studies in International Business, Trade, and Tax Law at Harvard Law School in 2001. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and holds an accounting degree from De La Salle University.

The appointments to three key government agencies are expected to support ongoing reforms in tax and customs operations, as well as the development of economic zones and infrastructure projects to attract more investments, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

“Tamang tao, sa tamang posisyon,” the Presidential Communications Office said. “The President’s orders are clear: build the hubs, bring in the jobs, and keep reforming the agencies that collect the people’s money.”