Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. on Thursday underscored that paying taxes is more than just a legal obligation — it is an investment in the country’s future.

Lumagui who marked the beginning of Tax Awareness Month officially launched BIR’s 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) on Tuesday, Lumagui said: “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.”

Also highlighted during the event were BIR’s major accomplishments under Lumagui’s leadership, underscoring the agency’s commitment to efficiency, digitalization and resolute 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 entailing the rollout of digitalization programs such as Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), Digital TIN IDs, eONETT (electronic one-time transactions), and expanded eLounges to streamline taxpayer services.

P4.3B recovered

Likewise in the list of BIR’s accomplishments recently were its 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; and ISO certification across all BIR regional and district offices, ensuring standardized and transparent processes for taxpayers.

In President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s keynote speech, he commended the BIR for its efforts as he stressed that the revenues generated by the agency have resulted in more benefits for the people.

“In 2024, the Bureau collected more than P2.85 trillion, which is higher than the P2.52 trillion that we collected in 2023. What does this mean for our fellow citizens? The taxes we contributed last year are equivalent to more than a million new schools, 190,000 kilometers of roads, or 167,000 rural health facilities,” the Chief Executive said.

Reshaping public perception

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 (the right taxes) 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.”

He 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 (because the new Filipino pays the correct taxes for all our success; let us love the Philippines, let’s strive to bring progress to our nation),” Lumagui said.