Author: pip_admin

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) renewed its partnership with various business organizations by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 23 June 2026, reinforcing its commitment to advancing tax reforms, enhancing taxpayer services, and promoting a more efficient tax system. As part of the expanded partnership from 12 members to 15 members, the Petroleum Institute of Petroleum (PIP) has joined the BIR’s multi-sectoral group, bringing the voice of the petroleum sector into discussions on tax policies and regulations.

The partnership provides a platform for businesses to share their concerns, offer feedback, and participate in consultations on proposed tax reforms. Through regular dialogue, the BIR aims to develop clearer policies, improve compliance, and streamline tax processes for taxpayers and businesses.

With PIP now part of the group, the petroleum industry gains a stronger avenue to engage with the BIR on issues affecting the sector, while supporting government efforts toward better tax administration and ease of doing business.

The BIR emphasized that collaboration with the private sector is important in building a fair, transparent, and responsive tax system that supports both government revenue goals and business growth. The PIP, on the other hand, expressed its utmost appreciation to the bureau for always being open to holding a dialogue with the PIP and its members. Additionally, the PIP emphasized that being part of the PMSG reflects a shared commitment to nation building, open dialogue, and constructive collaboration between government and industry.

Under the renewed MOA, the BIR-PMSG Member Organizations for 2026 include:

1. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
2. Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)
3. Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP)
4. Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)
5. Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX)
6. Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI)
7. Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP)
8. Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT)
9. Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC)
10. Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
11. Makati Business Club (MBC)
12. Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation (ATIN)
13. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines (FICCI)
14. Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP)
15. Swiss Chamber of the Philippines (SwissCham)

The Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP) held a meeting with Bureau of Customs (BOC) Deputy Commissioner Nolasco Bathan on 02 December. The meeting, attended by representatives of PIP member companies, namely Chevron, Petron, Shell and PTT, discussed ways to strengthen the government’s fuel-marking program further and intensify efforts against fuel smuggling.

During the meeting, the PIP and the BOC exchanged views on current challenges in implementing and enforcing the fuel-marking program. At present, the fuel marking program remains a vital tool in ensuring tax payment and compliance, protecting government revenues, and promoting fair competition within the downstream petroleum industry. During this meeting, both the PIP and the BOC highlighted the importance of sustained coordination between government and industry to address operational gaps, industry concerns about the program, and smuggling activities more broadly.

Deputy Commissioner Bathan, for his part, acknowledged the concerns raised by PIP member companies and shared the Bureau’s commitment to enhancing inter-agency cooperation, improving monitoring mechanisms, and strengthening enforcement actions against illicit fuel trade. He encourages the PIP to provide industry feedback and recommendations to identify areas for improvement and refine implementation strategies, thereby strengthening the fuel marking program.

PIP reaffirmed its support for government initiatives to curb fuel smuggling and expressed its readiness to continue working closely with the BOC and other relevant agencies.