UPay launched to enhance digital tax payment

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), and UnionBank have signed a memorandum of agreement to integrate UnionBank’s UPay Facility into the national tax collection system, aiming to expand digital payment options for taxpayers.

The partnership, signed Tuesday at UnionBank Plaza in Pasig City, seeks to provide convenient web- and mobile-based channels for paying taxes and other government obligations, while enhancing efficiency, security, and transparency in electronic payments.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the initiative is part of the bureau’s ongoing modernization efforts.

“The UPay Facility provides taxpayers with enhanced web and mobile options to settle their obligations, reducing the need for in-person queues and manual processing,” Mendoza said.

“Sa madaling salita, pinapadali natin ang pagbabayad ng buwis (In short, we’re making paying taxes easier). And when the process is easier, trust grows and voluntary compliance becomes stronger,” he added.

Mendoza noted that the program supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve government service excellence and aligns with the Department of Finance’s economic reform agenda.

UnionBank President and CEO Ana Maria Aboitiz Delgado highlighted that the bank will offer multiple digital payment options through over-the-counter branches, online banking, and UPay leveraging InstaPay, PCHC, PayGate, and other electronic payment systems.

Treasurer of the Philippines Sharon Almanza emphasized the importance of digital transformation in strengthening public financial management.

“Through this Memorandum of Agreement and the UPay Facility, we are introducing secure, convenient and cost-effective digital payment solutions that will help accelerate remittances and enhance transparency,” Almanza said.