New BIR chief targets P3.1-T tax take for 2025
Newly appointed Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Mendoza expects the country’s main tax collection agency to bring in P3.1 trillion this year, just slightly below the original target of P3.219 trillion.
In an interview, Mendoza said the “conservative estimate” stems from the flood control corruption scandal, which slowed government spending and, in turn, weighed on tax receipts, contributing to the third quarter’s weak economic growth.
“We have 6 to 7 weeks [left]. That’s why I instructed revenue district officers and regional directors that this is urgent. It is nonnegotiable [to] maximize collection,” he said.
Mendoza remained hopeful the final collection would exceed P3.1 trillion.
“At least definitely more than P3.1 [trillion]. Let’s hope we will reach P3.2 [trillion]. Hopefully, we’ll still be able to catch up,” he said.
Just a week after taking the helm of the BIR, Mendoza said he would prioritize “efficient and fair revenue collection” in the remaining weeks of 2025 to ensure the government meets its targets.
“We continue with digitalization and then service-oriented tax administration,” he said. “We’ll look at all types of taxes and see if there’s still a way for improvement.”
Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed that the BIR had already collected P2.32 trillion from January to September this year, which accounts for about 72.5 percent of the P3.2 trillion target for 2025.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee is expected to review the target for the year, which includes revenue collections, until 2026.
