Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has expressed full readiness to carry out the tax reform initiatives outlined by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., according to Commissioner Charlito Mendoza.

Marcos raised the tax reform push during his fifth State of the Nation Address this week, where he pushed for relief measures designed to spur economic growth, boost government revenue, and promote fairness in the country's fiscal system. 

Among the proposals are a wider income tax exemption bracket and the removal of minimum corporate income tax for small businesses.

Mendoza said the agency backs the President's direction and is prepared to carry out whatever version of the measures Congress eventually passes.

"The BIR supports this direction and stands ready to faithfully and efficiently implement the measures that Congress may enact," he said in a statement.

He added that the bureau's focus now is on internal readiness so that it can act swiftly once the reforms become law.

"Our responsibility now is to ensure that the Bureau is fully prepared once these measures are signed into law, while sustaining our ongoing initiatives to strengthen tax administration and enhance taxpayer experience," Mendoza added.

While Congress deliberates on the legislation, Mendoza said the BIR will not wait idly — the agency plans to push forward with reforms already within its own mandate. 

These include strengthening compliance sampling, upgrading taxpayer services, modernizing its digital systems, and reviewing outdated internal processes and regulations.

He also committed to keeping communication open with various stakeholders to make sure future BIR policies stay aligned with taxpayers' actual concerns.

Mendoza said these combined efforts are meant to ensure a smooth rollout of any relief measures once implemented.

"Through these efforts, we will help ensure that tax relief measures are implemented efficiently, encourage greater voluntary compliance, and continue generating the revenues needed to fund essential public services," he said.

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