Jimmy Saberon
Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza has taken another decisive step in strengthening employee welfare at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), spearheading a landmark healthcare partnership that expands access to quality and affordable medical services for thousands of BIR officials and employees.
In a significant move that underscores his commitment to people-centered governance, Mendoza led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the BIR, the Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI), and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) on June 17, 2026.
The agreement grants BIR officials and employees access to diagnostic and treatment services at discounted rates at CGHMC, on top of existing government healthcare benefits—a development expected to provide substantial relief to personnel facing rising medical costs and emergency healthcare needs.
The initiative forms part of Mendoza’s broader Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion agenda under the BIR DARES reform program, which seeks to ensure that the agency’s workforce remains healthy, motivated, and fully supported while carrying out the Bureau’s critical revenue collection mandate.
Mendoza emphasized that the success of institutional reforms depends heavily on the welfare of the people implementing them.
“If we want our reforms to succeed and to last, then we need to take care of the welfare of our employees, because better public service begins with employees who feel supported, valued, and cared for,” Mendoza said.
The agreement marks one of the most concrete employee welfare initiatives undertaken by the Bureau in recent years, reflecting Mendoza’s push to transform the BIR not only into a high-performing revenue agency but also into an institution that prioritizes the well-being of its personnel.
Observers noted that while tax collection remains the Bureau’s primary mission, Mendoza’s administration has increasingly focused on strengthening employee support systems, recognizing that an empowered workforce is essential to sustaining operational excellence and reform momentum.
Joining Mendoza during the signing ceremony was Deputy Commissioner Teresita M. Angeles, while the event coincided with the Business Tax Forum hosted by the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Inc., themed “Understanding VAT on Digital Services: Key Updates and Related Tax Issues.”
Deputy Commissioner Larry M. Barcelo served as one of the forum’s panelists, while Atty. Ron Mihkail Uy of the BIR Legal and Legislative Division acted as resource person.
With the healthcare partnership now in place, Mendoza continues to demonstrate that BIR reform extends beyond revenue targets and digital modernization—placing equal importance on the welfare of the men and women tasked with delivering vital public services and sustaining the government’s fiscal strength.
