By Aaron Michael C. Sy, Reporter
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it is on pace to achieve its P3.2-trillion tax collection target for 2025 after approaching the halfway mark in the first six months.
“For the year, (the target is still) P3.232 trillion. As of now, January to June for the first semester, we have already collected more than P1.5 trillion. That’s the goal for the first semester. So we’re on track and we’ve been achieving our collection target,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. told BusinessWorld.
In a statement on Thursday, Mr. Lumagui said the P1.5 trillion in first-half collections was up 10.3% from the year-earlier result.
This was driven mainly by payments from the entertainment and recreation sectors.
In 2024, the BIR collected P2.85 trillion.
“With the continued momentum that we have… we’re positive and hopeful that we will achieve our collection target,” Mr. Lumagui said.
He also said the BIR will enhance its efforts in collecting excise tax, with a special focus on illicit items.
“The excise tax collection has improved. I just don’t know the exact figures but for the first semester of this year that’s one of the tax types that has increased… I hope it will continue for the rest of the year,” Mr. Lumagui said.
Mr. Lumagui has said the BIR’s collection target for the year could be adjusted again after having being raised from the previous P3.219 trillion.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee had lowered the national revenue target to P4.52 trillion from P4.644 trillion.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lumagui said on Wednesday the BIR could begin collecting online gambling tax, as proposed by the Department of Finance (DoF), in the fourth quarter of 2026 if ratified on schedule.
“I don’t know if it will be included this year considering that it’s already July and it’s still a pending bill. So perhaps it will be next year… if it’s ratified and implemented soonest, maybe by the fourth quarter,” he said.
He added the online gambling tax could contribute billions to revenue.
However, the agency has not discussed the measure yet with the DoF as of midweek, Mr. Lumagui said.