BIR launches anti-corruption course for revenue officers

The Bureau of Internal Revenue launched a nationwide ethics and anti-corruption course for revenue officers on July 29, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen integrity, accountability and professionalism within the country’s main tax-collection agency.

The Ethical Standards and Anti-Corruption Course for Revenue Officers, or ESACOR, was introduced at the BIR National Office.

The program’s public-interest significance lies in the authority revenue officers exercise over audits, assessments and other taxpayer transactions.

Consistent ethical standards and stronger internal accountability could help reduce opportunities for abuse, protect taxpayers from improper conduct and improve public confidence in tax administration.

The course also recognizes that effective revenue collection depends not only on enforcement and technology, but also on whether taxpayers view the agency and its personnel as fair, professional and trustworthy.

The launch was attended by Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza.

Deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, regional directors and revenue district officers also attended.

National Office division chiefs and other BIR officials and employees joined the event.

Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” Sotto delivered the keynote address on ethical leadership and good governance.

Integrity as reform foundation

Legal Group Deputy Commissioner Larry M. Barcelo said integrity was the foundation of meaningful and lasting reform.

Barcelo reminded BIR personnel that public office is a public trust.

He urged employees to apply honesty, accountability and professionalism in their daily work.

The principle reflects the ethical framework governing Philippine public officials and employees, including standards on public interest, professionalism, fairness and responsiveness under Republic Act No. 6713.

Internal Affairs Service Assistant Commissioner Daniel T. De Jesus presented ESACOR’s principal features.

The competency-based course was developed under the BIR’s DARES reform agenda and Integrity Management Program.

It consists of three modules covering ethical standards, anti-corruption measures and sexual harassment prevention.

The course is intended to equip revenue officials and employees with knowledge and practical tools for handling ethical dilemmas.

It also seeks to prevent conflicts of interest and corrupt practices.

ESACOR promotes accountability and transparency while seeking to foster a respectful and harassment-free workplace.

The course reintroduces the Revised Code of Conduct for Revenue Officials and Employees under Revenue Memorandum Order No. 53-2010.

The initiative builds on the BIR’s existing Transparency and Integrity Program, which the agency has described as part of its efforts to prevent corruption and strengthen accountable governance.

Nationwide rollout planned

The BIR will progressively roll out the course across the agency.

Implementation will begin with BIR leaders before reaching all revenue officials and employees nationwide.

Newly hired personnel will be among the priority participants.

The phased approach is intended to establish ethical leadership at the management level before embedding the same standards throughout the organization.

Employees central to reforms

Mendoza said the success of the BIR’s reforms depended on empowered employees who understood the trust placed in public servants.

He said employees must consistently choose to do what is right.

“At kapag sinabi nating empowered employees, hindi lang ito tungkol sa training, promotions, o welfare programs. Ito ay tungkol sa mga empleyadong nauunawaan ang tiwalang kaakibat ng pagiging lingkod-bayan, pinipiling gawin ang tama, at nagbibigay ng mahusay na serbisyo araw-araw. Sana paglabas natin sa bulwagang ito, hindi lang tayo may bagong course na inilunsad. Sana mas malinaw rin sa ating lahat na sa atin nakasalalay ang paghubog ng kultura ng husay at dangal sa ating kawanihan”

Sotto emphasized the importance of collective action in creating a government where integrity becomes the norm.

He compared meaningful reform to pushing a giant wheel.

Sotto said individual acts of integrity could inspire others and generate momentum for lasting institutional change.

“We’re talking about building momentum to change the culture, to change society, to change our government. But it is possible.”

Sotto later led BIR officials and employees in a Pledge of Commitment.

The activity symbolized their shared resolve to uphold ethical standards, accountability and professionalism.

Integrity beyond the classroom

Resource Management Group Deputy Commissioner Teresita M. Angeles described ESACOR as a vital component of the BIR’s Integrity Management Program.

She also called the course a concrete expression of the commissioner’s DARES reform agenda.

Angeles said institutionalizing the course could help reshape the public’s perception of the BIR.

She said it could also strengthen the capability and integrity of the agency’s workforce.

Angeles encouraged revenue personnel to apply the course’s lessons beyond formal training sessions.

“Let’s not leave this place with just putting it in our minds, but putting the principles—especially integrity—in our hearts.”

The BIR said ESACOR reinforced its commitment to developing a professional, trustworthy and citizen-centered revenue service worthy of public confidence.