On request of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) of the Philippines, the WCO conducted a Mercator Programme mission to Manila from 10 to 14 July 2017.
The objective of the mission was to  analyse  the situation at Manila Port and to provide advice for future steps.  Discussions covered Customs inspection requirements, future technologies and operational needs. A priority for the BOC is more efficient trade facilitation and revenue collection under the auspices of the Manila Maritime Trading District Development Project (MMTDDP).

The MMTDDP is a proposed mixed-use development project across an area of approximately 474 hectares. The MMTDDP aims to transform certain portions of the Manila Port area, specifically those covering the South Harbor, Manila International Container Port and the North Harbor, into a world-class maritime trading district equivalent to  major international ports in the Asia-Pacific Region.

During the visit the WCO advisors studied relevant documents, interviewed officers of BOC and made some site visits to Customs and Port facilities. Topics discussed during the interviews included the scope of the MMTDDP, a BOC operating model that takes into account both enforcement and facilitation obligations, BOC policy and infrastructure needs, and stakeholder engagement responsibilities.

A range of related issues surfaced during the week. The WCO advisors and BOC officials also discussed organizational structure developments within BOC, the implementation of the TFA, Time Release Study strategy, anticipated recruitment of new staff, design of a proposed new Customs Academy, among other issues.

At  the end of the mission, the WCO-advisors presented their analyses of the situation including recommendation for the next steps to  senior management of BOC.  The proposed steps forward which included a a redirection of the Operating Model of BOC were well received and would be considered.