BIR, BOC post higher revenue collections in January

Revenue collections from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) saw an increase in January 2025, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a statement, the DOF reported that BIR collections reached PHP350.6 billion, marking a 13.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the BOC collected P79.3 billion, reflecting an 8.1 percent growth year-on-year.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto commended both agencies for their strong revenue performance during a command conference held on February 19. The meeting was attended by BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, and senior officials from the DOF, BIR, and BOC.

Discussions during the conference also highlighted the agencies’ digitalization and enforcement programs aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.

For 2025, the BIR’s digital initiatives will focus on the Electronic Invoicing/Receipting and Sales Reporting System, full integration of the Internal Revenue Integrated System, and the expansion of electronic filing and payment platforms, including the Taxpayer’s Portal.

Meanwhile, the BOC’s modernization efforts will include the full digitalization of customs processes, integration of payment channels into the e-Pay Portal System, implementation of a new electronic certificate of payment, and the establishment of regional data centers.

Recto urged both agencies to expedite the completion of their digital transformation strategies to further enhance revenue collection and service delivery.