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2026 News from PUCP

PUCP Leadership Holds Courtesy Call with ATI

June 8, 2026 / ATI Manila Office

The PUCP, led by President Rommel Ibuna, Co-Chair Col. Rodolfo de Ocampo, and EVP Joel Longares, officially introduced our newly inducted Board of Trustees to Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) Senior VP, Mr. Sean James L. Perez.

Key Highlights:
Renewed Collaboration: Reaffirming our commitment to partner with ATI and the government in navigating policies and bridging industry gaps.

A Golden History: A heartfelt message from Founder Ms. Noemi Saludo, honoring the deep-rooted PUCP-ATI relationship, was read on her behalf by Atty. Angeline Ibuna.

Constructive Solutions: Mr. Perez commended PUCP’s professionalism, emphasizing the need for unified, productive problem-solving in the industry.

Thank you, Sir Sean, for your invaluable wisdom, warm hospitality, and unwavering support! Here’s to a stronger Philippine logistics and customs ecosystem. 

#PUCP #ATI #PortUsersPH #LogisticsPH #Partnership

The PUCP Welcomes Landmark BOC Policy Extending Importer and Broker Accreditation to Three Years.

Culminating Years of Strategic Advocacy


MANILA, PHILIPPINES — May 6, 2026 — The Port Users Confederation of the Philippines (PUCP), Inc. commends the Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, for the issuance of Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 1-2026 and its corresponding implementing Memorandum. This landmark directive extends the validity of accreditation for importers and customs brokers to three (3) years, marking a historic victory for trade facilitation and ease of doing business in the country.
 
The PUCP is proud to have spearheaded this initiative, serving as the first stakeholder group to formally conceptualize, recommend, and persistently advocate for the transition from an annual to a three-year accreditation cycle. This policy shift directly addresses long-standing industry challenges related to document duplication, red tape, and unnecessary administrative delays.

The issuance of CAO 1-2026 is the direct culmination of a multi-year collaborative effort and sustained dialogue between PUCP and the BOC:
 
1. March 21, 2024: The foundation for this reform was laid during the 2nd Meeting of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) Central at the Office of the Commissioner (OCOM) Conference Room. PUCP representative Ms. Julita Lopez formally proposed adopting a three-year accreditation period for customs brokers, provided that corresponding fees are paid ahead of time. During this session, the BOC Commissioner acknowledged the merit of the proposal, agreeing to explore the possibility of aligning said accreditation period similar to the existing three-year licensing cycle of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
 
2. November 27, 2025: Advocacy efforts intensified during the 10th Meeting of the CICAC-Central & 1st General Assembly with Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno at the FFCCCII Headquarters in Binondo, Manila. Ms. Lopez reiterated the pressing need for reform, formally expanding the suggestion to include the importer accreditation process. She emphasized that a three-year cycle would drastically reduce document duplication and eliminate redundant, time-consuming processes that burden legitimate traders.
 
3. December 5, 2025: Solidifying its stance, the PUCP submitted a formal letter to the Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno containing comprehensive, structured recommendations to overhaul the importer accreditation process, explicitly outlining the operational and economic benefits of the three-year validity period.
 
“The implementation of CAO 1-2026 is a testament to the power of constructive public-private sector dialogue. We thank Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and the entire Bureau of Customs for their open-door policy, for actively listening to the pain points of the supply chain sector, and for having the political will to enact meaningful reforms,” said PUCP President Rommel A. Ibuna. The PUCP would also like to extend its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Department of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go for his making the issuance of CAO 1-2026 possible. By shifting to a three-year accreditation validity, the BOC has taken a massive step toward eradicating bureaucratic friction, allowing importers and brokers to focus on what they do best: driving the Philippine economy forward. 
 
The PUCP remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Bureau of Customs and other government agencies to champion policies that modernize port operations, secure the supply chain, and promote a globally competitive trading environment in the Philippines.

PUCP–ICTSI Courtesy Call

April 27, 2026 | ICTSI Admin Building

The Port Users Confederation of the Philippines (PUCP) Board of Trustees, led by President Rommel A. Ibuna, conducted a courtesy call with International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Executive Vice President Mr. Christian R. Gonzalez at the ICTSI Admin Building.

Program Highlights:
— Ms. Noemi Saludo revisited the history of the PUCP–ICTSI partnership, underscoring shared milestones and achievements.

— Col. Rodolfo T. De Ocampo conveyed appreciation for ICTSI’s longstanding support and reviewed the collaboration’s impact.

— President Ibuna expressed gratitude and reaffirmed PUCP’s commitment to strengthening the partnership.

ICTSI’s Response:
Mr. Gonzalez extended his thanks to PUCP for its unwavering support and emphasized the following priorities:

— The need for customs reforms to streamline processes and benefit small industries.

— Addressing infrastructure concerns, particularly access roads and bridge connections in the Port Area.

— Advancing community development initiatives in coordination with local authorities to balance port operations with residential needs.

Key Takeaway:
PUCP and ICTSI reaffirmed their strong partnership and mutual dedication to advancing customs reforms, infrastructure improvements, and community development—ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency for the port industry.

PUCP Oathtaking Ceremony 2026


On March 20, 2026, the PUCP Board of Directors and Officers officially took their oath of office at the PUCP Office, administered by Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

We proudly welcome our newly elected leaders:
• Mr. Rommel A. Ibuna – President
• Mr. Joel P. Longares – Executive Vice President
• Col. Rodolfo T. De Ocampo – Chairman of the Board

Commissioner Nepomuceno, in his heartfelt and candid message, reminded everyone of the importance of friendship, cooperation, and integrity in leadership. He emphasized that:

“We can talk about anything because we are friends. I assure you, we will do our best in our power to make everything right and to make things better. Congratulations to the new set of officers. Good luck. Organizations such as PUCP are crucial, and with cooperation, even complex challenges become manageable.”

This oath-taking marks a new chapter of service, unity, and responsibility for PUCP. Congratulations to our officers, and may your leadership bring growth and success to the organization!

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