Recto Thanks Outgoing BIR Chief Lumagui, Welcomes Mendoza

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Thursday expressed gratitude to former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., praising his leadership for making the agency “stronger and more credible.”

Recto’s statement came a day after the Presidential Communications Office announced the appointment of Finance Undersecretary Charlito Martin Mendoza as the new BIR chief. He credited Lumagui for ensuring a reliable revenue flow for the government and for his role in reforming the tax system.

“I thank Commissioner Jun for being a great partner and a fearless leader in our shared effort to ensure a reliable revenue flow for our people and to reform the tax system. Under his leadership, we have seen a stronger and more credible BIR. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kaniyang mahusay at tapat na paglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Recto said.

Lumagui, appointed in November 2022, spearheaded the BIR’s Digital Transformation (DX) Program, which modernized tax administration, streamlined processes, and strengthened taxpayer compliance. His initiatives included the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) drive targeting ghost receipts, and measures against illicit trade in excisable goods such as cigarettes and vapes.

Recto expressed confidence that Mendoza, described as a “steady hand and reform-driven leader,” would continue these reforms while keeping the welfare of taxpayers central to the agency’s work.

Mendoza previously served as District Collector for the Bureau of Customs – Port of Cebu, where his office achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for the main port and subports. He is a licensed geodetic engineer from the University of the Philippines and a San Beda University Law graduate who placed third in the 2004 Philippine Bar Examination.