‘BIR, BOC revenue targets retained’

MANILA, Philippines — The government has maintained collection targets for its two biggest revenue agencies despite a national energy emergency, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

Finance Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr. said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is sticking to its P3.43-trillion target while the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is keeping its P1-trillion goal, with both agencies meeting their revenue benchmarks as of end?May.

“So far, it’s retained,” he told reporters last week.

“If ever there’s a revision, it will only be minor. So far, during the last DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) meeting, there were no changes,” Ligon added.

The non-tax revenue goal is also unchanged, the DOF official said.

Data showed that the BIR collected P1.4 trillion as of end-May, exceeding its P1.42-trillion target.

Likewise, the BOC generated P406.37 billion in the first five months, surpassing its P397.05 billion target.

Ligon added that Finance Secretary Frederick Go has directed agencies to “exert all efforts to collect” as businesses struggle with higher operating costs.

“Make sure the collections are efficient, so that we don’t have to impose additional taxes,” he said.

On the temporary three-month suspension of excise fuel taxes, Ligon said the measure is most likely to be lifted within the year if global oil prices continue to ease.

“Right now, oil prices are on a downward trend. Let’s hope this continues, since the last check shows it’s below $80 per barrel. If that trend holds, we’ll most likely lift it and there won’t be any need for an extension,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ligon said the government is banking on the rollout of a National Single Window (NSW) system to tighten enforcement against illicit trade, with the full implementation expected by 2028.

This system seeks to facilitate trade by streamlining and digitizing processes for import, export and international trade-related regulatory requirements.

By enabling end-users and stakeholders to submit standardized information and documents through a single entry point, the system enhances efficiency, transparency and compliance.

“Right now, we’re starting to roll out the government agencies included in the NSW. Within the year, you can expect several Department of Agriculture agencies to be onboarded to NSW,” the DOF official said.