Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. has been honored with the 2023 Man of the Year award by the Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) for his exceptional leadership and accomplishments in tax administration.

The ALA recognizes outstanding leaders across the globe in both public and private sectors.

Lumagui expressed that the award serves as a testament to the bureau's performance over the past year, aligning with his appointment in November the previous year. 

The ALA acknowledged Lumagui for his proactive approach in ensuring tax compliance among business operators, including a nationwide campaign against major tax evaders. This initiative led to the confiscation of contrabands like cigarettes, filing of criminal charges, and the closure of numerous businesses found guilty of underdeclaring sales.

Additionally, Lumagui's crackdown on the use of fake invoices and receipts was highlighted by the India-based group.

The commissioner was also commended for implementing measures to ease the tax filing process and payment for taxpayers. These measures involved digitalization, exemption of small-time farmers from filing returns and paying taxes, and a 50 percent reduction in VAT refund requirements.

Recognizing the need for modernization, Lumagui is actively working on automating various administrative processes. This includes the implementation of an electronic invoicing/receipting system, online registration and update system, taxpayer registration-related application portal, eAppointment, Electronic one-time transaction system, enhanced eComplaint system, and the internal revenue integrated system.