The country’s largest business group is throwing its support behind a series of reforms at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), saying the changes could help create a more predictable tax environment, reduce compliance burdens, and improve confidence among businesses and investors.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) praised BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza’s initiatives aimed at modernizing tax administration, particularly reforms focused on simplifying audits, improving internal systems, and strengthening cooperation between government and the private sector.

Among the measures hailed by PCCI are the removal of redundant value-added tax (VAT) audit units through Revenue Administrative Order No. 004-2026, the restructuring of human resource functions under RAO No. 003-2026, the implementation of a one-time tax abatement program for micro taxpayers under Revenue Regulations No. 4-2026, and the renewed partnership between the BIR and the Private Multi-Sectoral Group.

More predictable tax system

“These reforms directly respond to the business community’s call for a simpler, fairer, and more predictable tax system,” PCCI president Perry Ferrer said. “The single-instance audit framework reduces taxpayer burden and curbs opportunities for abuse, exactly the kind of leadership that strengthens competitiveness and investor confidence.”

PCCI said the shift toward a single-instance audit approach could help streamline tax compliance by reducing repeated examinations and allowing businesses to focus more resources on operations and growth.

Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, chair of the PCCI Taxation Committee, described the reforms as significant steps toward improving the country’s tax system.

“The abolition of redundant VAT audit units and the adoption of a single-instance audit framework are landmark achievements that ease compliance costs and foster voluntary compliance. The renewal of the BIR-PMSG partnership ensures continued dialogue and collaboration in shaping future reforms,” Du-Baladad said.

Strengthened employee

development and welfare

Beyond taxpayer-facing changes, the business group also welcomed the BIR’s efforts to strengthen employee development and welfare, noting that a more capable and motivated workforce is essential to delivering better public service.

PCCI said the reforms are aligned with the BIR’s broader DARES program, which focuses on Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform, Revenue Protection, Employee Empowerment and Service Excellence.

“These initiatives, together with Commissioner Mendoza’s broader DARES or Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform, Revenue Protection, Employee Empowerment, and Service Excellence Program represents a comprehensive roadmap for a modern and trusted BIR,” the PCCI statement read.

The chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Department of Finance and the BIR in pursuing reforms that improve tax administration, encourage investments, and support long-term economic growth.

For businesses, PCCI said a more efficient and transparent tax system remains a key factor in strengthening competitiveness and building greater trust between the government and the private sector.