CEBU CITY-The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Central Visayas (BIR-7) announced a substantial increase in revenue collections for the year 2023:he Bureau of Internal Revenue in Central Visayas (BIR-7) announced a substantial increase in revenue collections for the year 2023, surpassing its target and marking a significant achievement in its operational efforts.
According to Philippines News Agency, BIR-7 Director Douglas Rufino, speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas forum on Tuesday, highlighted that the region’s revenue collections rose by 10.21 percent from the previous year, reaching PHP42.5 billion compared to PHP38.6 billion in 2022. This collection not only exceeded the previous year’s figures but also surpassed the targeted revenue of PHP41.9 billion by 1.47 percent.
Director Rufino attributed this success to rigorous tax enforcement and consistent engagement with taxpayers. He proudly noted that these efforts led to the region being recognized as the second top-performing region nationwide in terms of exce
eding collection goals. Among the significant operations conducted by BIR-7 was the crackdown on illicit cigarette manufacturing in Daanbantayan, Cebu. Following a tip-off from local police, the bureau issued a mission order targeting several entities involved in the illegal trade.
The operation initially aimed to seize cigarette packing machines and raw materials reported to be used in illicit manufacturing. Although the equipment and materials had been moved to Mandaue City by the time agents arrived, they were eventually seized, and several individuals connected with the operations were apprehended. The BIR-7 also coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation-7 (NBI-7) in arresting a suspect for producing counterfeit Tax Identification Number cards and a barangay captain involved in using a fraudulent electronic certificate for property registration.
These enforcement actions underscore BIR-7’s commitment to improving tax compliance and safeguarding public revenue, which are crucial for funding r
egional development and national projects.