Recto thanks Lumagui, names Mendoza new BIR chief

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto lauded the performance of outgoing Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. and welcomed former Finance Undersecretary Charlito R. Mendoza as the new head of the country’s chief tax agency.

“I thank Commissioner Jun for being a great partner and a fearless leader in our shared effort to ensure a reliable revenue flow for our people and to reform the tax system,” Recto said.

“Under his leadership, we have seen a stronger and more credible BIR. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kaniyang mahusay at tapat na paglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino.”

He assured the public that the agency remains in capable hands.

“Rest assured, the BIR is in good hands as Commissioner Charlie will uphold the same integrity and excellence he has exemplified,” Recto added.

Appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in November 2022, Lumagui led the BIR to consistently surpass revenue targets during his tenure.

In 2024 alone, BIR collections increased by 13.29% to PHP 2.85 trillion.

From January to September 2025, the agency collected PHP 2.32 trillion, up 10.88% year-on-year.

Lumagui pushed digital reform through the BIR’s Digital Transformation (DX) Program, which modernized tax administration and improved taxpayer compliance.

A key initiative under the DX Program is the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), a web-based platform for registration and information management.

He also led the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) drive, filing administrative, criminal, and civil charges against those involved in ghost receipts.

His crackdown on illicit trade of excisable goods, such as cigarettes and vapes, also helped safeguard revenues and level the playing field for businesses.

Secretary Recto expressed full confidence in Mendoza’s leadership, calling him a “steady hand and reform-driven leader.”

“We will miss Usec Charlie at the DOF, but I believe the BIR needs him more at this time,” Recto said.

“I trust that under his leadership, the BIR will meet and even exceed our revenue targets. Above all, I trust that he will always keep the well-being of our taxpayers at the heart of all his efforts.”

As DOF Undersecretary since April 2024, Mendoza led the BRAVE campaign to combat smuggling and illicit trade using digital tools.

BRAVE stands for Border Security Enhancement, Revenue Collection and Revenue-Base Protection, Adaptive Regulations and Compliance Monitoring, Vigilant Enforcement Operations and Vigorous Intelligence Gathering Activities, and Effective Engagement with Stakeholders and Inter-Agency Cooperation.

The DOF exceeded its 2024 revenue target under BRAVE, collecting PHP 4.42 trillion or 16.7% of GDP—the highest level in 27 years.

Before joining the DOF, Mendoza served as District Collector of the Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu from July 2019 to October 2022.

During his term, the Port of Cebu and its subports earned ISO 9001:2015 certification, a first for any customs collection district.

Mendoza previously practiced law as a founding partner at the Palafox Patriarca Romero and Mendoza Law Firm and worked at ACCRALAW and Suarez and Narvasa Law Offices.

He taught law in several universities and ranked third in the 2004 Philippine Bar Exam after earning his law degree from San Beda University.

Lumagui is married to lawyer Carmela Esquivas-Lumagui, a longtime aide of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

President Marcos and the First Lady are also principal sponsors at the couple’s wedding.

Both Lumagui and his wife played active roles in the 2022 Marcos presidential campaign, with Esquivas-Lumagui often accompanying the younger Marcos sons, Simon and Vinny.

Just a week ago, on November 6, Lumagui filed tax evasion complaints against former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza.

The three face PHP 1.6 billion in tax liabilities tied to a flood control corruption scandal.