Acceptance Speech at the Turn-over Ceremony for the Commissioner of Customs
April 24, 2015 / Social Hall, Port of Manila, Bureau of Customs
Thank you very much for that kind introduction.
Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
Una, nais ko ho munang magpasalamat kay Commissioner Sunny Sevilla sa malaking sakripisyo na kanilang inialay para sa bayan. Naantig ako sa sinabi niya kahapon: “Ang paglilingkod sa bayan ang pinakamalaking karangalan sa buhay ko.” Truly, as Secretary Cesar says, I have big shoes to fill, and I intend to carry on the good governance and process reforms he has started.
Being here brings me to some kind of sentimental journey. In the years that intervened between my previous stint here to now, I have built a company that is now seen as a leader in logistics nationwide. This has given me much experience and perspective. Further, as a keen observer of Customs, from the outside looking in, I have many ideas I think will make our processes more efficient and systematic. I agree when Commissioner Sevilla says, “Reform is not glamorous. Reform is in the little every day improvements that we can give the public.” Now that I am here, I believe my extensive experience in the private sector will be tested: the primary task assigned to us is not easy, with the end in view of increasing efficiency and improved revenue generation.
But I assure the Honorable Secretary of Finance, Cesar Purisima, who is with us in attendance that, with innovation and determination, we can double down on our reforms and further improve on the impressive change story happening here at Customs.
I would like to focus on an even bigger challenge- ASEAN INTEGRATION. This is no longer just a concept, it is already a reality. This initiative is expected to increase trade and economic activity with our ASEAN neighbors. It is imperative that we ask ourselves if we are prepared for this impending expansion. We have no other recourse. We must be ready. It is time to engage our “bosses” in an environment revitalized with the spirit of true and efficient service.
The question is – “How do we prepare ourselves?” While I need to evaluate the lay of the land, here are five general principles for reform that I have in mind:
1. Inculcate Integrity in our Work Ethic
President Aquino’s mandate of “Daang Matuwid” will be the foundation of all our actions. It will be the be-all and end-all of all our efforts. Honesty and integrity will be further inculcated in our work attitude. The use of appropriate technology in our day to day operations and the conduct of regular performance reviews will aid us in this effort.
2. Level the Playing Field
We shall level the playing field even more by ensuring fair, efficient, speedy, and hospitable services. A positive image should be the first, continuing, and lasting impression that our clients must carry with them. A happy and satisfied customer always comes back.
3. Battling Corruption
Corruption is one of the biggest impediments to economic growth and prosperity in the country. We must battle this with a combination of factors – increased awareness, appropriate technology, and resolute action on violators. We will continue to be as transparent with our data. We will light up the darkest corners where this malady lingers. We will not abandon the campaign to eliminate it. In fact, we will expand it and pursue the campaign with more determination.
We are not alone in this struggle. Integrity campaigns are spreading all over the world. It is not only a global buzzword: it will continue to be a centrepiece of our work philosophy here in the Bureau of Customs.
4. Port Congestion
We will continue to decongest our ports and improve our systemic interventions adapting to a growing economy getting busier every season.
We will rally all stakeholders in this collaborative effort. We will involve other stakeholders in this effort such as, the importers, exporters, forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, port owners, port users, trucking companies and all involved in the supply chain. Aside from these, we shall draw the support of regulatory agencies such as the Local Government Units, the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Philippine Ports Authority, The Department of Public Ways and Highways, The Philippine National Police and other institutions whose actions are necessary to achieve this goal.
Sumabay tayo sa takbo ng mundo…huwag tayong maghintay…hindi dapat nahuhuli ang Pilipinas sa pagbabago.
5. Performance management
The optimum performance of each and every officer and employee will be the hallmark of our organisation. While success could be considered its own reward, meritorious performance will also be recognised and appropriate rewards will be made available to the deserving.
Internal management audits will be introduced to help guide our employees in the attainment of their key result areas. The audit exercise will be the very instrument that will help us identify the problems and provide the solutions to correct mistakes or oversights and how to avoid the same.
We must transform the Bureau into a proactive organisation. It should anticipate local and global changes and always be ready to confront the challenges that come with it. We must be consistent and reliable partner of industry.
Conclusion
Our time together at the Bureau of Customs may be short. We will have to hit the ground running. We will move faster than usual. Speed, integrity, and efficiency will be our trademarks.
The challenge is on all of us. We will have to work even more closely with each other.
My friends, I would like you to know that I consider my appointment or “re-appointment” to the Bureau as a rare privilege and another opportunity to serve the country. I only thank our beloved President Aquino, and Secretary Purisima for the trust and confidence they have reposed on me.
We will repay that confidence by delivering real, measurable results.
Many have asked why I chose to accept this challenge. My answer… Love of country. At this stage of my life, it is time to give back.
Those who know me, know what that statement means and what it truly entails. Hard work, long hours we are willing to endure. And the personal sacrifices and comforts that we are willing to forego to get the job done.
My wife, Sylvia, my children, my family, my former business partners and my closest friends are aware of this. Yes, many of them have expressed deep concern for my welfare but assure me of their willingness to support me when the going gets rough. They caution me in my ways and warn me of the multifarious problems that may come my way. They even ask me to SMILE more often.
I am deeply touched by their concern and their expressions of support and love. To them I extend my deepest sense of gratitude.
But let me assure them that I am aware of the obstacles and what it needs to get the job done right. After all, this is not my first time to work in the Bureau of Customs.
And what is my real motivation? Where lies our happiness in all these?
You and I will together draw courage, determination and inspiration and joy with the knowledge that every peso collected will help bring more smiles on the faces of the poor and underprivileged, and enliven the hopes and confidence fellow Filipinos in a brighter future that awaits them.
We will be working not just for the Bureau of Customs, we will work hard for the people of this beloved country we call our home.
With all of you as partners, I know that our aspirations and dreams can indeed become reality.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay po kayo! Mabuhay ang BOC. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.