The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday marked the beginning of Tax Awareness Month as it officially launched its 2025 National Tax Campaign, rallying Filipinos under the theme “Buwis na Tapat, Tagumpay Nating Lahat”—a call for transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility in nation-building.
At the campaign kickoff event held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. underscored that paying taxes is more than just a legal obligation—it is an investment in the country’s future.
According to the BIR chief, “taxes are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they are investments in our shared future—in the kind of world we want to pass on to the next generation.”
The event also highlighted the historic accomplishments of the BIR under Lumagui’s leadership, reinforcing its commitment to efficiency, digitalization, and strong enforcement. Among the milestones emphasized were:
– P2.86 trillion collected in 2024: the highest in BIR history and the first time in 20 years that the agency met its collection target.
– Aggressive digital transformation: The rollout of digitalization programs such as the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), Digital TIN IDs, eONETT (electronic one-time transactions), and expanded eLounges to streamline taxpayer services.
– Intensified crackdown on tax fraud and illicit trade, leading to P4.3 billion recovered from fake transactions and P110 million from illicit cigarettes and vapes.
– ISO certification across all BIR regional and district offices, ensuring standardized and transparent processes for taxpayers.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his keynote speech, commended the BIR for its efforts as he emphasized that the revenues generated by the agency have resulted in more benefits for the people.
Aside from enforcing tax laws, the BIR’s campaign seeks to reshape public perception of taxation—from being viewed as a burden to being recognized as a tool for national development.
“In 2024, the Bureau collected more than P2.85 trillion, which is higher than the P2.52 trillion that we collected in 2023. Ano po ba ang ibig sabihin nito sa ating mga kababayan? Ang buwis na ating inihulog noong nakaraang taon ay katumbas ng lagpas na isang milyong bagong paaralan, 190,000 kilometro ng kalsada, o ‘di naman ay ang 167,000 rural health facility,” said the Chief Executive.
Aside from enforcing tax laws, the BIR’s campaign seeks to reshape public perception of taxation—from being viewed as a burden to being recognized as a tool for national development.
Lumagui stressed that “taxation is not just about fulfilling civic duty. It is also about fairness and integrity; buwis na tapat speaks to the need for transparency and accountability in our tax system. It means that everyone, regardless of their status or background, should contribute their fair share to the nation’s development.”
The lawyer added that with a P3.23 trillion collection target for 2025, the BIR is determined to sustain its momentum through digital innovation, stronger enforcement, and improved taxpayer services.
“Together, let us ensure that the collection target of P3.23 trillion will be attained. Dahil ang bagong Pilipino ay nagbabayad ng buwis na tapat para sa tagumpay nating lahat. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas, paunlarin natin ang ating bayan.”
