Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., officially launched its 2025 National Tax Campaign Kick-off on February 4, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. With the theme "Buwis na Tapat, Tagumpay Nating Lahat," this year’s campaign underscores the crucial role of taxpayers in funding the country’s economic recovery and development through the timely and correct payment of taxes.
The event also marked the beginning of Tax Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promote tax education and reinforce the importance of responsible tax payment. Throughout the month, the agency will roll out various activities, including seminars, information drives, and stakeholder and media engagements, to further enhance public awareness on taxation.
The program began with the registration of attendees, followed by an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. To set the tone for the event, an opening production number was staged, energizing the audience and emphasizing the significance of national unity in achieving fiscal sustainability. An audio-visual presentation (AVP) titled "Tungo sa Matagumpay na 2025" was then shown, highlighting that the BIR has not only reached but exceeded its 2024 emerging collection goal of Php2.848 trillion as approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
Further, The BIR’s digital transformation programs with the launch of the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) has revolutionized taxpayer registration by making it more convenient for the taxpayer to update their registration information, a total of 470,000 digital TIN IDs were issued in 2024. The Electronic One-Time Transaction (eONETT) System has likewise streamlined the processing of 33,198 Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCARs) in the same year. These digital advancements reflect the BIR’s commitment to becoming a more efficient, responsive, and service-oriented agency.
One of the event’s key highlights was the unveiling of the 2025 BIR Tax Campaign Jingle and Music Video, which aims to make tax awareness more engaging and accessible to the public. Following this, another AVP titled "Ang Bagong Pilipino at ang Pagbabayad ng Buwis" was presented, emphasizing the role of responsible taxpayers in building a stronger and more progressive nation.
A panel discussion ensued, featuring experts and BIR officials who tackled pressing tax-related issues and the Bureau’s initiatives to improve tax administration and compliance. Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group, Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, then took the stage to read the message of Secretary of Finance Ralph S. Recto, reiterating the administration’s support for BIR’s tax collection efforts and its impact on the country’s economic stability.
A special performance by The World Champions added vibrancy to the event, just before the much-awaited arrival of the Philippine President. Upon the President’s entry, the BIR Tax Campaign Jingle and Music Video were officially launched through a grand Bump Opening, symbolizing the official commencement of this year’s tax campaign.
In his message, Commissioner Lumagui expressed his gratitude to all law-abiding taxpayers and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication in improving tax services, curbing tax evasion, and ensuring a fair and transparent tax system. He emphasized that every peso collected contributes to nation-building, helping fund essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The significance of this year’s tax campaign was further highlighted by its official logo, which represents the shared responsibility of taxpayers and the government. The heart in the logo symbolizes the taxpayer’s love for the country, demonstrated through their diligent tax payments, while the hand represents their hard work and willingness to contribute to national progress. On the BIR’s part, the heart signifies the agency’s dedication to honest and courteous service, while the hand reflects its duty to collect taxes responsibly to fund government projects. The infrastructure depicted in the logo symbolizes the tangible progress that tax revenues bring to the nation.
BIR Commissioner Lumagui then formally introduced the event’s Guest of Honor, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who delivered a keynote speech. In his address, the President lauded the efforts of the BIR in strengthening the country’s revenue generation. He urged all Filipinos to fulfill their tax obligations with honesty and diligence, emphasizing that a fair and efficient tax system is key in sustaining the country’s economic momentum.
The 2025 BIR National Tax Campaign Kick-off successfully set the stage for the Bureau’s tax collection efforts for the year, rallying public and private sector support towards a culture of voluntary tax compliance. With the launch of its latest campaign, the BIR remains steadfast in its mission to build a stronger and more self-sufficient Philippines.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
