The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) launched the South Luzon leg of its 2026 Regional Tax Campaign on Friday, February 27. The event took place at the Jose Rizal Coliseum. Officials from Revenue Regions 9A, 9B and 10 attended. The gathering also featured the oath‑taking of newly promoted BIR staff from Laguna, Quezon and Marinduque.
Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza opened the ceremony. He said the campaign follows the slogan “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo (Excellent Service Worthy of Your Taxes).” He urged taxpayers to “Comply correctly. File on time. Pay what is due.” Mendoza added that the BIR is guided by “Service Excellence with Integrity and Professionalism.”
Mendoza explained that the agency will help taxpayers become “properly educated, well‑informed, at confident” in their tax duties. He repeated the goal in Filipino: “Layunin natin gabayan ang mga taxpayers na maging properly educated, well-informed, at confident sa kanilang tax responsibilities.”
The commissioner highlighted South Luzon as a key industrial corridor. He said, “I have to ensure that, in this region that stands as one of the strongest industrial and production corridors of the Philippines attracting Filipino enterprises, multinational corporations, and key industries driving national output our tax administration upholds standards that are clear, consistent, professional, and anchored in integrity.”
Mendoza announced several digital reforms. The BIR will roll out a Digital Interactive Tax Calendar. QR‑code verification tools will be introduced. An integrated Taxpayer Portal will let users view registration, filing and payment records in one place.
He also noted stronger enforcement. The agency will crack down on illicit vape products. The “Run After Tax Evaders” program will continue filing cases.
The commissioner said technology alone will not solve all problems. He stressed that “A well‑manned, more competent, and well‑trained BIR workforce is the foundation of our higher service standards.” He reported that 200 officials and employees have been promoted to fill vacancies.
Mendoza called for cooperation with local governments and the private sector. He said, “Hindi ito magagawa ng BIR lamang… Kailangan ang tuloy‑tuloy na pakikipagtulungan ng pamahalaan, industriya, at taxpayers.” (The BIR cannot do this alone… continuous cooperation of government, industry, and taxpayers is needed.)
The South Luzon launch is part of a nationwide rollout. Similar events will occur in the Visayas and North Luzon in March. The campaign aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go’s economic reforms.
