Leadership change at the BIR: What's next?

The only constant in life is change. Last week, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) witnessed a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza, succeeding Romeo Lumagui, Jr. For many, this move came as a surprise — but beyond the headlines, it signals more than a reshuffling of positions. It reflects a renewed government commitment to modernization, transparency, and stronger tax compliance.

- RICHARD R. IBARRA

Today, the BIR’s role has become even more critical as the government racks up budget deficits, Note that taxadministra-tion is not just about collecting revenue; it’s about building trust, ensuring fairness, and enabling sustainable growth.

As I step back, allow me to highlight the notable legacy left by former Commissioner Lumagui — one that will be remembered for its impact and reforms.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

One of Lumagui’s most notable achievements was accelerating the BIR’s Digital Transformation (DX) Program. At its core was the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) — a web-based platform that simplified taxpayer registration and information management.

Before ORUS, taxpayers often faced long queues, manual paperwork, and delays in updating records. ORUS changed that by enabling individuals and businesses to register, update, and manage their tax profiles entirely online. This innovation significantly reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks, minimized physical interactions, and improved convenience for taxpayers.

Note that the implementation of ORUS was supported by a series of Revenue Memorandum Circulars (RMCs) that provided clear guidelines for adoption by the public.