MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) have completed the Electronic Invoicing and Sales Reporting System (EIS) Post Management Support Project.
To mark the completion on July 7 at the BIR National Office in Quezon City, there was a formal turnover of the enhanced EIS during a Recognition and Transition Ceremony, which was led by BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza.
The event recognized the successful completion of the 14-month technical assistance project implemented by Koica through JNH Consulting Co., Ltd., which focused on upgrading system functionalities, addressing critical operational gaps in the system, and strengthening the technical capability of BIR personnel.
Modernizing tax administration
In a recorded video message, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go underscored the significance of the project by saying: “The EIS Post Management Support Project is proof of our steadfast commitment to modernizing our tax administration. By contributing to the development of our tax systems, doing business in the Philippines is becoming easier, more cost-efficient, and more predictable for all.”
On behalf of the Philippine government, Go thanked the Republic of Korea and its implementing partners for helping strengthen the country’s tax systems and build the institutional capability needed to sustain them.
For his part, Mendoza said the project not only enhanced the EIS but also developed the capability of the BIR to independently sustain, operate, and further improve the system.
“Under our BIR DARES reform agenda, Digital and Data Transformation has always meant strengthening both our systems and our people. This project is a good reminder that every investment in technology must also be an investment in people,” Mendoza said.
In his keynote speech, Finance Undersecretary Rolando T. Ligon Jr. said that, while the core EIS was implemented and turned over to the BIR in 2022, the July 7 ceremony marked the completion of the Post Management Support Project that began in May 2025.
“Our teams are now fully equipped to sustain and maximize this system independently. As this project is formally turned over to the Bureau, we do so with complete confidence that the BIR will build on these operational gains to advance its long-term digital transformation,” Ligon said.
Tangible improvements
Koica Philippines Country Director Jung Youngsun highlighted the project’s tangible improvements to tax administration, particularly through automatic invoice matching and validation, which significantly enhance the VAT refund investigation process.
He added that the enhanced EIS also strengthens statistical reporting and complements the Internal Revenue Integrated System (IRIS), enabling faster, more accurate, and more efficient tax administration.
“As we conclude this project, our focus now turns to maximizing the value and sustainability of the EIS. With our Philippine partners’ strong leadership and improved technical capacity, we are confident that the EIS will continue to evolve and deliver even greater value in the years ahead,” Jung added.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said the EIS reflects the deepening partnership between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines to advance innovation, strengthen governance, and promote inclusive economic growth.
The ambassador noted that it also serves as a concrete follow-through to the Republic of Korea–Philippines Bilateral Summit held in March 2026 and supports continuing efforts to address the investment-related concerns of Korean companies operating in the country.
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“As the BIR continues to be an essential partner of Korean companies operating in the Philippines, as well as the Korean community at large, I commend Commissioner Mendoza’s able leadership for paying close attention to their concerns, helping address practical difficulties, and successfully balancing effective revenue collection with a fair, transparent, and taxpayer-focused tax administration system,” Lee said.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Commissioners Ma. Rosario Charo G. Enriquez-Curiba, Vener S. Baquiran, Larry M. Barcelo, Marissa O. Cabreros, and Teresita M. Angeles, together with officials and representatives of the BIR, DOF, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, KOICA, and JNH Consulting Co. Ltd. /atm