THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it completed a 14-month project to enhance its Electronic Invoicing and Sales Reporting System (EIS), which it expects to strengthen tax administration and support the BIR’s digital transformation efforts.

In a statement on Thursday, the BIR said the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) formally turned over the enhanced EIS during a ceremony on July 7, marking the completion of the 14-month technical assistance project.

“The EIS Post Management Support Project is proof of our steadfast commitment to modernizing our tax administration,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said.

“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,” he added.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said the project also developed the agency’s capability 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,” he said.

Finance Undersecretary Rolando T. Ligon, Jr. said the completion of the project means the BIR is now fully equipped to sustain and maximize the 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,” he added.

KOICA Philippines Country Director Jung Youngsun said the enhancements include automatic invoice matching and validation, which significantly enhance the value-added tax refund investigation process.

“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,” Mr. Jung added.

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said the enhanced EIS builds on the agreements reached at the Korea–Philippines Bilateral Summit held in March and “supports continuing efforts to address the investment-related concerns of Korean companies operating in the country.” — Justine Irish D. Tabile