Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the agency may revise its P3.2-trillion collection target for 2025 lower following the slower-than-expected economic growth in the first quarter.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Lumagui said discussions are ongoing on whether to recalibrate the goal in light of recent data for gross domestic product (GDP).
“It’s possible, given that our collection target is based on GDP growth. Since growth didn’t go as projected, there are (discussions) on what the appropriate target should be,” Lumagui said. “For now, it remains at P3.2 trillion.”
The Philippine economy expanded by 5.4 percent in the first quarter, down from 5.9 percent in the same period last year and below the government’s 6 to 8 percent full-year growth assumption.
Despite this, Lumagui said the BIR remains on track to meet its revenue goal.
“As of the first quarter, I’m happy to report that we are on pace to hit our target,” he said.
Separately, Lumagui said the BIR is proposing an agency budget of up to P18 billion for 2026, higher than this year’s P16.9 billion, to support facility upgrades and the agency’s digital transformation efforts.
A key item in the budget proposal is funding for a nationwide toll-free contact center, which he said would significantly improve taxpayer services.
“Most district office transactions can be handled by phone, but many taxpayers still go in person because no one answers the calls — staff are busy assisting walk-ins,” Lumagui said. “The contact center I’m requesting would cost about P150 million for the entire year.”
He added that the improved accessibility would lead to “tangible improvements in public service.”
