The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Monday, April 5 that it surpassed its March 2021 collection target by 14.2 percent, or by nearly P7 billion based on the preliminary report.
In a statement, the bureau bared an actual March collection of P54.5 billion. Its target for the month was P47.7 billion.
The bureau said the P6.8 billion excess "continues to highlight the Bureau’s consistent and positive monthly collection."
"Notably, this year’s March collection is higher than the P44.6 billion March 2020 actual collection by 22.1 percent or P9.8 billion," BOC said.
It said that 13 out of the 17 collection districts exceeded their target for the month of March. These are the Port of San Fernando, Port of NAIA, Port of Batangas, Port of Iloilo, Port of Cebu, Port of Tacloban, Port of Surigao, Port of Cagayan De Oro, Port of Zamboanga, Port of Davao, Port Subic, Port of Clark, and Port of Limay.
For the first quarter covering the period of Jan. 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021, the BOC collected P148.0 billion, surpassing its target by 10.5 percent or P14 billion. The target collection for the three months was P134.0 billion.
Moreover, the cumulative actual collection for the first quarter is higher by 1.9 percent or P2.7 billion compared to the P145.3 billion collection in Jan-March 2020.
The BOC attributes its positive revenue collection performance to the improved valuation and intensified collection efforts of all the ports. "Despite this, the Bureau maintains its border security measures against undervaluation, misdeclaration and other forms of technical smuggling and collect lawful revenues," it said.
Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero commended the efforts of the district collectors and the men and women of the BOC who, despite the risk to their health and safety, showed their unwavering commitment and dedication to service.