Manila: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Thursday thanked former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., saying his stint at the bureau made it ‘stronger and more credible.’
According to Philippines News Agency, the statement was issued a day after Presidential Communications Office acting Secretary Dave Gomez announced the appointment of Finance Undersecretary Charlito Martin Mendoza as the new BIR chief. Recto highlighted Lumagui’s contribution to ensuring adequate financing for the government.
‘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. Under his leadership, we have seen a stronger and more credible BIR. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kaniyang mahusay at tapat na paglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino (I thank him for his capable and honest service to the Filipino people),’ he said.
‘Rest assured, the BIR is in good hands as Commissioner Charlie will uphold the same integrity and excellence he has exemplified.’
Lumagui was appointed in November 2022 and was instrumental in pushing the agency’s Digital Transformation (DX) Program, which modernized tax administration, streamlined processes, and strengthened taxpayer compliance.
Other programs under his term included the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS), a web-based platform providing end-to-end registration and taxpayer information management. He also implemented the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) drive, which involved filing civil, criminal, and administrative cases against individuals involved in selling and using ghost receipts, and strengthened efforts against the illicit trade of excisable goods, such as cigarettes and vapes.
Recto expressed confidence that these programs would be continued under the new leadership, describing Mendoza as a ‘steady hand and reform-driven leader.’
‘We will miss Usec. (Undersecretary) Charlie at the DOF, but I believe the BIR needs him more at this time. 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 your efforts,’ Recto said.
Mendoza, prior to his new role, served as a District Collector for the Bureau of Customs – Port of Cebu from July 2019 to October 2022. During his tenure, the office was recognized as the first customs collection district to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification for its main port and all subports.
He is a licensed geodetic engineer, having earned a degree in Geodetic Engineering from the University of the Philippines. He completed his Bachelor of Laws degree at San Beda University and ranked third in the 2004 Philippine Bar Examination.
