Calamba city: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) launched the South Luzon leg of its 2026 Regional Tax Campaign on Friday, aiming to improve tax compliance ahead of the April filing season. The event took place at the Jose Rizal Coliseum in Calamba City, Laguna, and gathered officials and employees from various provinces including Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, and Romblon, as well as Laguna, Quezon, and Marinduque, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

According to Philippines News Agency, BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the campaign's slogan, 'Comply correctly. File on time. Pay what is due.' Mendoza highlighted the campaign's objective to assist taxpayers in understanding their obligations and navigating compliance requirements effectively. He expressed the goal to guide taxpayers to become educated, informed, and confident in managing their tax responsibilities.

Mendoza stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in tax administration, especially in South Luzon, which is a significant industrial and production hub in the Philippines. He outlined the BIR's digital transformation initiatives aimed at simplifying tax compliance and enhancing transparency. These initiatives include a Digital Interactive Tax Calendar, QR code verification tools, and a forthcoming integrated Taxpayer Portal for easy access to registration, filing, and payment records.

Additionally, Mendoza discussed the BIR's audit and enforcement reforms designed to protect compliant businesses. He mentioned increased actions against illicit vape products and ongoing efforts under the Run After Tax Evaders program. The South Luzon launch is part of a nationwide rollout of the 2026 Regional Tax Campaign, with similar events planned in March for the Visayas and North Luzon regions to boost tax awareness efforts.