WITH RADICAL REFORMS in place, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) began 2026 with strong indicators — a whopping P530.055 billion collection, surpassing its target by P2.280 billion for the first two months of the current year.
In a statement, BIR attributed the revenue increase to its aggressive enforcement stance and the sustained rollout of digital transformation initiatives designed to make tax filing more accessible for individuals and corporations alike.
President Ferdinand Marcos previously called for a tighter fiscal discipline to fund ambitious infrastructure projects and social services, for which the tax agency responded with
COMPARING NOTES
Citing 2025 data, the P530.055 billion collection represents a three percent growth rate as compared to the P514.748 billion revenue covering the first two months of the previous year.
The bureau’s early 2026 performance translates to a 2.97% year-over-year increase in net collections, reflecting steady improvements from intensified tax administration, stronger enforcement efforts, and ongoing measures to boost taxpayer compliance nationwide, said Iloilo-based Daily Guardian.
Despite global economic headwinds, the BIR made a firm commitment to sustaining revenue growth and meeting its 2026 goals by pursuing its mandate through a balanced and people-centered approach—raising the revenues needed to support national development while protecting taxpayers’ rights and strengthening stakeholder trust and confidence.
MARCOS’ AGENDA
This comes as the government’s top tax collector — Revenue Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza, reaffirmed the bureau’s continuing support for the fiscal stability and inclusive growth agenda of President Marcos, Jr. under the guidance of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go.
According to Mendoza, BIR remains steadfast in advancing fiscal discipline, institutional modernization, and responsive public service for the benefit of the Filipino people – and the strategy seemed working.
The BIR chief cited early dividends in terms of compliance even as he expressed optimism that the bureau would be able to outperform its targets despite global economic headwinds, to include volatile commodity prices and shifting interest rate environments.
VISAYAS TAX DRIVE
At the launching of the Visayas leg of its 2026 Regional Tax Campaign in Cebu City, over 1,600 attendees gathered including BIR officials and personnel, stakeholders, and partners.
Present during the event were officials from Revenue Regions 11 (Western Visayas); 12 (Negros Island Region); 13 (Central Visayas), and 14 (Eastern Visayas), reinforcing a unified call for stronger tax awareness and voluntary compliance across the Visayas.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro lauded the BIR for making tax compliance easier and more convenient for Cebuanos.
“Every peso of public funds must be spent carefully, responsibly, and always for the benefit of the people. We must believe that taxes paid by our people must always go back to them through better healthcare, stronger communities, and meaningful public services.”
ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE
Mendoza, who took part in the bureau’s tax drive in the Visayas region described Cebu and adjoining provinces as the hub for tourism, education and an economic powerhouse.
Interestingly, Mendoza previously served as Customs District Collector at the Port of Cebu.
Mendoza noted that the combined economic output of Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas reached ₱3.7 trillion in 2024.
“Put another way, for every P6 of wealth created in the Philippines that year, P1 came from these four regions,” Mendoza said, citing Visayan businesses, workers, and taxpayers as economic drivers.
“These resources come from the people, and the BIR has a duty to collect them fairly, properly, and with integrity so they can be returned to you through public service,” he said.
SIMILAR KICKOFFS
Similar cluster kickoffs will also take place in North Luzon this March as part of the nationwide rollout of the BIR’s 2026 Tax Campaign.
The agency kicked off last February 13 its 2026 National Tax Campaign at the Philippine International Convention Center, riding on a P3.105- trillion revenue haul in 2025 while unveiling new digital tools – including its first interactive 2026 tax calendar – to make compliance easier and more transparent.
The kickoff is the BIR’s annual activity that marks the official start of its tax campaign efforts for the year.
The event drew leaders and representatives from government agencies, business and professional organizations, multi-sectoral partners, and private institutions, signaling broad support for the BIR’s reform and revenue mobilization agenda.
EVERY PESO COUNTS
This year’s campaign theme, “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo,” emphasizes the Bureau’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and responsive public service commensurate with every peso of taxes paid.
The campaign also reiterates the BIR’s message that paying the correct taxes on time is both a civic duty and a concrete contribution to nation-building.
In 2025, the BIR collected P3.105 trillion revenues, surpassing its collection target and sustaining its upward trajectory.
The BIR attributed the 2025 performance to improved voluntary compliance, more focused enforcement, and continued modernization of systems and processes.
ESTATE TAX AMNESTY
The agency also reported gains under the Estate Tax Amnesty program following the 2023 passage of Republic Act 11956, which extended the period for availing the Estate Tax Amnesty under RA 11213 until June 14, 2025.
The expanded coverage included the settlement of estate taxes of descendants of those who died on or before May 31, 2022.
From January to June 2025 alone, the BIR collected P4.603 billion from 100,786 individuals who opted to avail the Estate Tax Amnesty.
The BIR said the amnesty collections supported revenue generation while allowing taxpayers to settle long-standing estate tax liabilities under simplified terms.
BIR DIGITAL SHIFT
Digital transformation remained central to the BIR’s reform agenda, with the agency citing significant moves in 2025 toward a more transparent, secure, and taxpayer-centered tax administration.
One major rollout was the first-ever BIR Interactive Digital Tax Calendar for 2026, which the BIR said is accessible through its website.
The BIR said the online platform is designed to help taxpayers and tax practitioners track, manage, and comply with tax return filing and payment deadlines to minimize errors and encourage timely compliance.
Another milestone was the rollout of the BIR Registration Seal Badge and the inclusion of a Quick Response (QR) Code in the Certificate of Registration (COR), Electronic COR, and Authority to Print (ATP).
SECURITY FEATURES
The BIR said the Registration Seal Badge and QR Code features aim to safeguard against fraud and fake registrations through instant online verification of a taxpayer’s identity and business legitimacy.
Taxpayers engaged in e-commerce or online business activities are required to display the BIR Registration Seal Badge on their websites or e-commerce platforms as proof of valid registration.
The BIR also introduced the Letter of Authority (LOA) Verifier through ChatBot REVIE to allow taxpayers to check the authenticity of issued LOAs using basic taxpayer information.
The agency said the LOA Verifier strengthens transparency, protects taxpayers from unauthorized audit activities, improves accountability, and provides a single official channel of communication.
ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS
Reflecting the push toward digital payments, the BIR said the percentage share of e-payment collection to total BIR tax collection reached 85% in 2025.
During the kickoff program, dedicated booths provided live demonstrations of the BIR’s digital tools and guided stakeholders on how to use the platforms.
Finance Secretary Go attended the event and conveyed the department’s continued support for the BIR’s reform initiatives.
In an audio-visual message played during the program, Marcos cited the BIR for leading the 2026 National Tax Campaign Kickoff.
“I send my warmest greetings and congratulations to the Bureau of Internal Revenue as you lead this year’s National Tax Campaign Kickoff.”
“Ang inyong tema, “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis mo” ay malinaw na paalala ng pangako ng ating administrasyon sa pagpapaigting ng reporma at pag-aayos ng mga polisiya tungo sa hinahangad nating bagong Pilipinas para sa bawat Pilipino.”
CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY
The President likewise called for transparency, which he described would require more than lip services.
“The BIR is in the business of revenue generation and its reform program must remain anchored on that singular goal—generating the resources needed to fund vital public services, Marcos averred.
“I remind the BIR that revenue collection rests on public trust and therefore ensure that our reforms are geared towards making our tax system more transparent and more predictable. Make tax compliance easier and implementation fair and firm.”
“Binabati ko rin ang ating mga taxpayer na patuloy na nag-cocomply at nagbabayad ng wastong buwis. Kayo ang kaagapay ng pamahalaan sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at sa pagsusulong ng pag-unlad ng ating bayan,” the President quipped.
FIRM AND FAIR BIR
Mendoza’s keynote address hinted at the need to sustain a firm and fair enforcement with improved service delivery, even as he cited the urgency of assuring taxpayers of the BIR’s vow — to ensure client satisfaction.
“BIR goals should not be expressed in BESF (Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing) numbers alone. It should also be paired with client satisfaction. Because when the government serves well, compliance becomes easier,” the BIR chief stated.
The BIR also presented a heart-shaped tax campaign logo symbolizing sincerity and dedication to the Filipino people and a commitment to serve with care, integrity, and professionalism.
Within the heart, the BIR and Bagong Pilipinas logos were presented as united to link the Bureau’s mandate with the administration’s broader vision for progress.