The Bureau of Customs (BOC), the country's second-largest revenue collection agency, has entered into an agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), granting it rent-free use of facilities within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone for the next 25 years.
In a statement released Friday, April 11, the BOC said the deal reflects both agencies’ continued commitment to “efficient operations in the strategically important zone.”
According to the BOC, the agreement, granting the BOC a rent-free tenure within the zone, affirms the agency’s role in “revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border protection.”
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the agreement was a “powerful, resounding affirmation of the enduring, symbiotic partnership,” expressing optimism that it will increase trade volumes, attract new investments, and boost revenue collection.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by Rubio and SBMA Chairman Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.
“Under the MOA, the BOC commits to properly maintain its facilities, comply with environmental standards, and securely manage seized goods. In return, the SBMA will ensure access to properties essential for customs functions,” the BOC said, noting that the collaboration would improve operational efficiency and border security.
For their part, Aliño said the shared goal of building a new, modern Port of Subic facility, will improve services and offer more convenience to clients and stakeholders.
District Collector Marlon Fritz B. Broto said the renewed partnership gives BOC a steady and supportive setup for long-term planning and upgrades.
The BOC said the deal supports national efforts to improve government efficiency, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and promote long-term trade growth within the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone.
The BOC recently confiscated fourteen 20-foot container vans of incorrectly declared sugar products from Vietnam, valued at around ₱28.7 million, due to customs and legal violations.
The inspection was conducted at the Port of Subic, leading to the seizure of goods declared as “sweet mixed powder.”
For the first quarter of 2025, the BOC had confiscated nearly ₱26 billion worth of smuggled goods. The January to March collections increased by ₱8 billion or over 40 percent from last year’s over ₱18 billion.