THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it is possible the government may have to adjust the bureau’s P3.232-trillion collection target for 2025 to bring it more into line with economic growth.
Appearing at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said “it’s possible given the actual gross domestic product (GDP) growth.”
“Since the economy’s growth… isn’t going as projected, there’s a need to recalibrate the collection target if we’re basing it on GDP performance. Discussions are ongoing about what the appropriate collection target for the BIR should be, but for now, it remains at P3.2 trillion,” Mr. Lumagui said.
In the first quarter, the economy grew by a weaker-than-expected 5.4%, easing from the
5.9% year-earlier pace amid looming uncertainty in the face of US tariffs disruptions. The first quarter reading missed the government’s 6-8% target band for the year.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee is scheduled to meet on June 23 to review its targets and macroeconomic assumptions.
If the BIR hits its current target this year of P3.232 trillion, it would beat its actual 2024 collection performance by 13.36%.
The BIR exceeded the target pace in the first four months by 14.5%, collecting P1.11 trillion.
Separately, Mr. Lumagui said the BIR is preparing its new digital track-and-trace system, expecting full implementation next year.
This will replace the currently used stamps, and curb the proliferation of illicit vapes and cigarette products, and further improving collections.
“All cigarettes, vape products, and alcoholic beverages will have QR codes and stamps, distinguishing marks for all registered products,” he said.
He said the proposal still has to undergo the approval of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, formerly the National Economic and Development Authority.
The feasibility study is still being prepared by the Department of Finance.
Mr. Lumagui said the BIR proposed a P15-18 billion budget for 2026, with its priorities being improving facilities and digitalization.
The BIR has a budget of P16.9 billion this year.
“I hope this time, the budget I’m requesting for the contact center will be granted. Last year, that was the one thing we didn’t receive. It’s a small amount — probably, for a year, the amount I’m aiming for is around P150 million,” he said.
This will allow transactions to be processed over the phone, removing the need to visit offices, he said.
In its budget proposal, the BIR outlined plans to move to larger offices.
“All district offices need to have e-lounges. We also requested an increase in computers,” Mr. Lumagui said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante