MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) launched on Friday the South Luzon leg of its 2026 Regional Tax Campaign as part of the agency’s efforts to improve tax compliance ahead of the April filing season.
The event, held at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Calamba City, Laguna, gathered officials and employees from Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, and Romblon, Laguna, Quezon, and Marinduque, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon.
“Comply correctly. File on time. Pay what is due,” BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said in his keynote speech.
Mendoza said the campaign aims to help taxpayers better understand their obligations and navigate compliance requirements.
“Layunin natin gabayan ang mga taxpayers na maging properly educated, well-informed, at confident sa kanilang tax responsibilities (It is our goal to guide taxpayers so they become properly educated, well-informed, and confident in dealing with their tax responsibilities),” he said.
“I have to ensure that, in this region that stands as one of the strongest industrial and production corridors of the Philippines attracting Filipino enterprises, multinational corporations, and key industries driving national output our tax administration upholds standards that are clear, consistent, professional, and anchored in integrity.”
During the launch, Mendoza also outlined the BIR’s digital transformation initiatives to make tax compliance easier and more transparent, including a Digital Interactive Tax Calendar, QR code verification tools, and the planned rollout of an integrated Taxpayer Portal, where individuals and businesses can access their registration, filing and payment records in one place.
He also cited the BIR’s audit and enforcement reforms meant to protect compliant businesses, citing tighter action against illicit vape products and the continued filing of cases under the Run After Tax Evaders program.
The South Luzon launch on Feb. 27 was part of a nationwide rollout of the 2026 Regional Tax Campaign.
Mendoza said similar cluster kickoffs will continue in March in the Visayas and North Luzon as the BIR intensifies tax awareness efforts. (PNA)