The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) successfully surpassed its 2024 revenue target set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), marking a historic achievement in the agency’s history.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. confirmed that the agency collected a total of at least P2.848 trillion. “While the final collection figures will be confirmed in mid-February, we are confident that we have exceeded the DBCC’s target,” Lumagui stated.
Excluding 2020 when the target was adjusted due to the global pandemic—this is the first time in twenty years that the BIR surpassed its revenue goal. Moreover, this success comes despite the Philippine economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing at a slower-than-expected rate of 5.2% in the third quarter of 2024, down from 6.4% in the previous quarter and 6% in the same period the previous year.
“The BIR has collected at least Php 2.848 trillion for 2024, and all credit goes to the hardworking men and women of the agency. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!” Lumagui expressed.
The Commissioner attributed this success to the agency’s focus on good governance reforms and a shift toward a taxpayer-oriented approach, which has enhanced voluntary tax compliance. “When government agencies enhance their processes and services, citizens are more willing to do their part and pay their fair share of taxes,” he added.
Since his appointment as BIR Commissioner by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. back in 2022, Lumagui has garnered praise for his hands-on leadership, which has been crucial in strengthening the BIR’s commitment to good governance.
Under his leadership, the BIR achieved several notable milestones, including 100% nationwide ISO certification for various frontline processes, the Civil Service Commission’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (CSC PRIME-HRM) Maturity Level II Accreditation, and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) Seal of Registration in the previous year.
Lumagui has cultivated a culture within the BIR grounded in four four pillars, namely: strong and assertive enforcement activities, excellent taxpayer service, integrity and professionalism within the institution and among its employees, and a robust push for digitalization.
It was under his term that the BIR made a significant dent in combating the long-standing issue of “ghost receipts,” which involve the use of fictitious receipts and invoices to evade taxes. The establishment of the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) task force—a first in BIR history—has been a critical step in tackling this pervasive issue.
Additionally, the BIR introduced a new withholding tax system for online stores, leveling the playing field between traditional and digital retail businesses.
“We are thankful for the guidance and support of President Marcos, Jr., and this inspired us to reciprocate his trust with outstanding performance. We now have a successful and proven template that works,” Lumagui explained. “My hope and prayer is that all the stakeholders – from both the public and private sector – will continue to support the reforms that we have put into place, so that we can continue to surpass our targets in the coming years,” the commissioner concluded.
