Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto is reminding Filipinos to fulfill their tax duties diligently, underscoring their crucial role in the country's development.

At the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) National Tax Campaign Kick-off event, Recto stressed the importance of both the tax agency and taxpayers effectively playing their respective roles in driving progress forward.

Recto said that the task of generating revenue is not solely the responsibility of the BIR, rather, “it is a shared responsibility with our taxpayers.”

This year, the Marcos administration aims to collect P4.3 trillion in revenues, with the majority amounting to P3.05 trillion expected to be generated by the BIR.

“For our taxpayers, it means fulfilling the duty of paying the correct amount of taxes. For our revenuers, it is about accurately assessing and collecting the right taxes,” Recto said.

“When both sides effectively play their roles, we pave the way to progress with certainty,” he added.

Meanwhile, the finance chief reassured the public that the BIR is committed to enhancing its tax processes through ongoing digitalization improvements and expediting the implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act.

“Let us remind our taxpaying public of their heroic duty to propel our country forward through the prompt and accurate payment of taxes,” Recto said. “Diligent taxpayers make the great task of collecting revenues much easier.”

In closing, Recto expressed confidence in the BIR's capability to not only meet but exceed this year's revenue collection target under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. 

He also urged every revenuer to uphold the highest standards of responsiveness, integrity, and accountability in carrying out their duties to the nation.

“To our taxpayers: Ako po mismo ang maniniguro na bawat sentimo mula sa inyo ay mapupunta sa pagpapaunlad ng ating bayan,” Recto declared.

[To our taxpayers: I myself will ensure that every cent from you will go towards the development of our nation.]