In a resolute address at the launch of the 2025 National Tax Campaign, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a firm stance against tax fraud, promising to hold accountable those who manipulate the tax system. The event, coinciding with National Tax Awareness Month, saw Marcos urging Filipinos to embrace their tax obligations as a crucial contribution to the country’s development.
Marcos reiterated his commitment to justice, stating, “We will hold those who continue to circumvent our system accountable,” and expressed a dual sentiment of hope and sternness. He emphasized the importance of national contribution and warned that the law would be stringent with those exploiting the system unfairly.
Highlighting the success of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Marcos celebrated its record-breaking collection of over PHP2.85 trillion in 2024, the first time in two decades the agency achieved its target. This amount, a significant leap from the PHP2.52 trillion collected the previous year, could potentially fund extensive infrastructure projects, including over a million new schools, 190,000 kilometers of roads, and 167,000 rural health facilities.
The President also acknowledged the BIR’s efforts in digital transformation, which have simplified tax compliance for businesses. He praised the agency’s proactive enforcement measures, which included over 307,000 visits and verifications, leading to the recovery of P257 million. Additionally, the BIR’s “Run After Fake Transactions” initiative saw a remarkable increase in collections, rising from PHP600 million to over PHP4.3 billion.
Marcos encouraged Filipinos to take pride in their role in nation-building, emphasizing that paying taxes is not just a civic duty but a vital contribution to a prosperous future. He assured the public that government funds would be meticulously monitored and utilized effectively to drive national progress.