The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) exceeded its collection targets in the first two months of the year, a robust start to the fiscal year as the government intensifies its crackdown on tax evasion and streamlines administrative processes.

In a statement, the government’s main tax agency reported on Friday, March 20, that net collections reached ₱530.055 billion from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, surpassing the bureau’s internal goal of ₱527.775 billion by ₱2.280 billion.

When compared to the same period in 2025, BIR collections increased three percent year-over-year growth rate.

According to the BIR, the uptick comes as the Marcos administration pushes for tighter fiscal discipline to fund ambitious infrastructure projects and social services.

Revenue officials attributed the gain to more aggressive enforcement stance and the continued rollout of digital transformation initiatives designed to make tax filing more accessible for individuals and corporations alike.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza earlier said that the bureau is shifting toward a more “people-centered” approach, balancing rigorous enforcement with the protection of taxpayer rights.

This strategy appears to be yielding early dividends in terms of compliance. The bureau’s ability to outperform its targets despite lingering global economic headwinds—including volatile commodity prices and shifting interest rate environments—suggests a degree of domestic resilience in the Philippine economy.

Under the direction of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, the BIR is tasked with anchoring the national government’s fiscal stability agenda. The early-year performance is a critical milestone for the Department of Finance, which is looking to narrow the budget deficit without relying solely on new tax measures.

Instead, the focus has remained on broadening the tax base and improving the "tax effort" ratio through institutional modernization.

As the bureau moves into the second quarter, the focus will likely shift to the peak tax-filing season in April.

Officials remain optimistic that the momentum gathered in the first 60 days of the year will provide a sufficient cushion to meet the full-year 2026 revenue objectives.