Ruiz assumes as Customs chief

Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz formally assumed office as the Head of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) following the turnover ceremony at the Customs head office in Port Area, Manila on July 25, 2022.

Ruiz took his oath before President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at the Malacañan Palace on July 20, 2022 as the Acting Commissioner of BOC.

Before his designation as Customs Chief, Ruiz was the Head of the Enforcement & Security Service (ESS) of the BOC for almost five (5) years since 2017.

As ESS Director, he spearheaded several enforcement projects and handled the operations which greatly contributed to the intensified anti-smuggling campaign of BOC.

The new Customs Chief also served the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as Regional Director for seven (7) years in different regions nationwide where he led numerous drug interdiction efforts.

In a speech during the turnover ceremony, Ruiz underscored his seven (7) priority programs: (1) zero tolerance for drug smugglers; (2) curb gun smuggling; (3) eliminate agricultural smuggling; (4) increase revenue generation; (5) fully digitalize Customs processes; (6) increase employee morale; and (7) eradicate corruption. The said priority programs are aligned with the mission order given by President Marcos Jr. to the new Commissioner.

Furthermore, the new Customs Chief thanked Guerrero for implementing the much-needed reformation of the Bureau, a historical legacy that is now his duty to continue. Ruiz vowed that he will “carry on the good governance and process reforms that were started.”

Meanwhile, outgoing Commissioner Guerrero congratulated and welcomed Ruiz, who according to him is “a public servant with a track record of accomplishments that will surely bring new energy to the Bureau.”

“Being part of the organization for several years now, you have the advantage of hitting the ground running, so to speak, and a familiarity with the ins and outs that will serve you in good stead as you steward our institution towards mission accomplishment,” Guerrero said to the incoming Commissioner.

Guerrero also expressed his gratitude to the men and women of BOC for the hard work, cooperation, and commitment they have given under his tenure. “It has been my privilege and honor to have stood together with you throughout the last four years, amidst the toughest tests and the COVID-19 pandemic. You have made it possible for the Bureau to transform and to achieve, with solid results and a revitalized service ethic that benefits our stakeholders and partners,” the outgoing Commissioner stated.

The turnover ceremony was presided by the Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Antonette C. Tionko and attended by BOC officials.