As the country’s second-largest tax collection agency takes on the challenge of reaching an elusive ₱1 trillion this year, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has taken a major step to improve its operations by mandating that all revenue-generating auctions and condemnation activities be broadcast live.

An April 13 BOC memo, signed by operations and auction monitoring officials, said that the move aims to institutionalize transparency, accountability, and public accessibility in some of the agency’s most sensitive operations.

Under the new policy, all ports are now required to conduct real-time, uninterrupted broadcasts of all auction and destruction activities under their respective jurisdictions. “All public auctions and condemnation/destruction activities shall be livestreamed in real time without interruption,” the memo read.

“Each port shall ensure that recordings of the livestreams are properly archived and readily available for post-activity review and audit purposes,” the memo also said, signaling a more stringent rule.

Further, ports are responsible for providing prior notice of scheduled activities and ensuring they possess the technical readiness—including adequate internet connectivity and audiovisual equipment—to effectively carry out the livestreaming requirement.

This push for transparency comes alongside the broader crackdown on “haosiaos,” or unauthorized fixers operating within BOC premises.

By making these operations publicly accessible, the BOC is further curbing informal dealings that fixers could exploit.

It may be noted that these reforms come at a time when the BOC is aiming to collect a historic ₱1 trillion in revenues this year, following its shortfall in 2025, when it posted a ₱934.4-billion haul. This gap has fueled calls from the Department of Finance (DOF) for stricter controls and improved performance monitoring.

To date, the BOC’s total collections for the first quarter reached ₱238.9 billion, representing an increase of ₱7.5 billion, or 3.3 percent, from the ₱231.4 billion collected during the same period last year.

The agency exceeded its revenue targets for a third consecutive month in March, bolstered by a surge in trade volume and the high-profile sale of seized luxury supercars.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go has signaled tighter oversight, backing internal restructuring and digital reforms to strengthen institutional credibility.

These transparency measures could serve as tools for both revenue generation and professionalization. Nepomuceno has been vocal about using automation and reducing face-to-face dealings to drive a rebound in both collections and public trust.

By opening the auction floor to the virtual public, the BOC is attempting to close the backdoors long associated with the agency and signal that engaging in irregular dealings will no longer be tolerated.

“This directive shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force until further notice,” the memo read, requiring strict compliance.