Mendoza takes helm of Bureau of Internal Revenue

The Bureau of Internal Revenue welcomed its new commissioner, Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, following his appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Nov. 13, 2025.

Mendoza said he was “deeply honored and profoundly grateful” for the President’s trust, adding that serving the country in this capacity is “a solemn responsibility I accept with humility, dedication, and resolve to do right for our country.”

He succeeded former Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., whose tenure was marked by strengthened enforcement, digital modernization, and steady revenue growth, and he brings extensive government experience and a strong track record in revenue stewardship.

Mendoza urged BIR personnel to uphold integrity and transparency to build trust in the tax system.

He said public confidence grows when taxpayers encounter “clarity, courtesy, and consistency” in BIR offices, adding that “when trust grows, compliance follows naturally.”

Mendoza called on personnel to prepare for the “urgent and non-negotiable task” of maximizing revenues and narrowing the gap between actual collections and targets.

He said he also plans to expand digitalization initiatives and streamline processes to make tax administration more responsive to taxpayer needs.

Before his appointment, Mendoza served as Finance undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group, overseeing nationwide operations of both the BIR and the Bureau of Customs.

He is known for championing reforms that protect the country’s revenue system and ensure fair and efficient tax and customs administration.

At the Department of Finance, Mendoza led the BRAVE campaign—Border Security Enhancement, Revenue Collection and Revenue-Base Protection, Adaptive Regulations and Compliance Monitoring, Vigilant Enforcement Operations and Vigorous Intelligence Gathering, and Effective Engagement with Stakeholders and Inter-Agency Cooperation.

The program uses digital tools and data-driven monitoring to curb smuggling and illicit trade while tightening border security to protect government revenue.

In 2024, the DOF posted its highest revenue performance in 27 years at PHP 4.42 trillion, or 16.7% of gross domestic product—an achievement attributed to major fiscal reforms.

Mendoza thanked Finance Secretary Ralph Recto for his “support and guidance” and described working with him as “a masterclass in fiscal policy, leadership, discipline, and courage.”

A top-performing legal scholar, Mendoza placed third in the 2004 Philippine Bar Examination and later served as district collector of the Port of Cebu from 2019 to 2022, where he posted record collections and strengthened enforcement against smuggling.