BIR OPENS 2026 STRONG WITH PHP 15.307 BILLION REVENUE GAIN, HITS 100.43% OF JAN–FEB GOAL

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registered a strong start to 2026, posting PHP 530.055 billion in net collections from January 1 to February 28, 2026.

This preliminary performance surpassed the Bureau’s internal collection goal of PHP 527.775 billion by PHP 2.280 billion, equivalent to 100.43% of the target, net of tax refunds. It also represents a PHP 15.307 billion increase over the PHP 514.748 billion collected during the same period in 2025.

The Bureau’s early 2026 performance shows a 2.97% year-over-year increase in net collections, reflecting steady improvements from intensified tax administration, stronger enforcement efforts, and ongoing measures to boost taxpayer compliance nationwide.

Despite global economic headwinds, the BIR remains optimistic and firmly committed to sustaining revenue growth and meeting its 2026 goals. The Bureau continues to pursue its mandate through a balanced and people-centered approach—raising the revenues needed to support national development while protecting taxpayers’ rights and strengthening stakeholder trust and confidence.

This performance reaffirms the Bureau’s continuing support for the fiscal stability and inclusive growth agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Under the guidance of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, the BIR remains steadfast in advancing fiscal discipline, institutional modernization, and responsive public service for the benefit of the Filipino people.

DOF, BIR issue rules granting VAT exemption for natural gas transactions

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Department of Finance, upon the recommendation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), has issued new revenue regulations granting value-added tax (VAT) exemption on indigenous natural gas and related power generation, supporting the government’s push to develop the country’s natural gas industry.

The regulations implement fiscal incentives under Republic Act No. 12120 or the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, which promotes natural gas as a safe, efficient, and cost-effective energy source, while providing clear guidelines on the availment of VAT exemptions.

Under the rules, VAT exemption applies to the sale and purchase of indigenous natural gas, aggregated gas, and electricity generated using such gas, including ancillary services tied to power generation.

The exemption for aggregated gas, however, applies only to the portion attributable to indigenous natural gas, ensuring that incentives are properly targeted.

Covered transactions include those undertaken by suppliers, aggregators, resellers, and generation facilities, as well as participants in the Philippine downstream natural gas industry, subject to certification by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The BIR said the issuance provides clear guidelines on the availment of VAT incentives, including documentation and certification requirements to verify compliance.

To qualify, participants must present an endorsement from the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, along with certification indicating the volume and percentage of indigenous natural gas sold during the taxable quarter.

Generation facilities must obtain certification from DOE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, confirming their use of indigenous natural gas and the amount of electricity produced from such gas.

Participants and generation facilities must attach their DOE permit to the endorsement documents.

The BIR regulations also include safeguards to prevent misuse of incentives.

Under the rules, availment of fiscal incentives under Title XIII of the Tax Code disqualifies entities from availing of similar incentives under RA 12120 and other special laws, reinforcing proper compliance and accountability.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza highlighted the importance of natural gas to the country’s energy strategy and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to sound tax administration.

“The BIR acknowledges the potential of natural gas to lower energy costs and help achieve national energy security. These regulations fully implement the mandates of RA No. 12120 by providing clear guidance on the availment of incentives that will support investment in the Philippine Natural Gas Industry,” said Mendoza.

“By establishing transparent and well-defined processes for VAT incentives on indigenous natural gas, we strengthen both the competitiveness of cleaner energy sources and the integrity of our tax system,” he added.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the policy direction of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, the BIR continues to support priority industries while strengthening revenue administration.

The regulations will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or on the BIR website, whichever comes first.

For more details, please visit the BIR’s website:

https://bir-cdn.bir.gov.ph/BIR/pdf/RR%20No.%202-2026.pdf

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BIR FACILITATES PNOC EMERGENCY FUEL IMPORTATION, READIES EXPEDITED PROCESSING OF FUTURE FUEL IMPORTS

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has facilitated the emergency importation of petroleum products by PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) through the issuance of a special permit by the Bureau’s Large Taxpayers Service (LTS).

This forms part of the government’s response under Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, “Declaring a State of National Energy Emergency and Authorizing the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport.”

PNOC-EC had earlier informed the BIR that it would immediately undertake the importation of petroleum products as an emergency measure. In response, the Bureau, through the LTS, worked with PNOC-EC on the documentary and procedural requirements for issuing the special permit and processing the import transaction.

In anticipation of future fuel importation by PNOC, the BIR is working with the company on the documentary requirements to support expedited processing on the Bureau’s end.

“The BIR, through its Large Taxpayers Service, will continue to work closely with PNOC to ensure the timely processing of requirements for current and future emergency fuel importations, in support of the whole-of-government response authorized under Executive Order 110 to help safeguard the country’s energy supply,” Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said.