BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
BIR Chief Highlights Major Reforms, Partners With SwissCham
Photo credit: BIR
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is pushing forward with its efforts to modernize tax administration, with Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza reporting the agency's progress during the first six months of its reform program while also strengthening ties with the private sector.
Speaking at the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham) "Policy to Practice" Roundtable on June 24, 2026, Mendoza shared the accomplishments of the Bureau under its BIR DARES reform agenda, which was launched earlier this year.
During the event, the BIR and SwissCham also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding cooperation on tax administration, digital transformation, and improving taxpayer services.
Addressing SwissCham members, representatives from the Swiss Embassy, and other stakeholders, Mendoza said the Bureau has focused its reforms on creating a more predictable tax system, making compliance easier for taxpayers, improving public service, and supporting broader economic growth.
He emphasized that successful government reforms do not begin when a policy is announced, but much earlier through consultation with those who will be affected by the changes.
"Taxpayers are more likely to understand, support, and comply with a reform when they know their concerns were heard and considered during its development. One lesson from the first six months of BIR DARES is that reforms tend to work better when the people affected by them help shape them."
According to Mendoza, the BIR DARES agenda continues to serve as the Bureau's roadmap for reform, built around five key priorities: Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform and Accountability, Revenue Collection and Revenue Base Protection, Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion, and Service Excellence and Stakeholder Engagement.
The partnership with SwissCham is expected to strengthen collaboration between the government and the business community as the BIR continues its push for a more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused tax system.
Speaking at the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham) "Policy to Practice" Roundtable on June 24, 2026, Mendoza shared the accomplishments of the Bureau under its BIR DARES reform agenda, which was launched earlier this year.
During the event, the BIR and SwissCham also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding cooperation on tax administration, digital transformation, and improving taxpayer services.
Addressing SwissCham members, representatives from the Swiss Embassy, and other stakeholders, Mendoza said the Bureau has focused its reforms on creating a more predictable tax system, making compliance easier for taxpayers, improving public service, and supporting broader economic growth.
He emphasized that successful government reforms do not begin when a policy is announced, but much earlier through consultation with those who will be affected by the changes.
"Taxpayers are more likely to understand, support, and comply with a reform when they know their concerns were heard and considered during its development. One lesson from the first six months of BIR DARES is that reforms tend to work better when the people affected by them help shape them."
According to Mendoza, the BIR DARES agenda continues to serve as the Bureau's roadmap for reform, built around five key priorities: Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform and Accountability, Revenue Collection and Revenue Base Protection, Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion, and Service Excellence and Stakeholder Engagement.
The partnership with SwissCham is expected to strengthen collaboration between the government and the business community as the BIR continues its push for a more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused tax system.
Jul 1, 2026
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