THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is planning to unveil a new logo when it celebrates its 120th anniversary in August in line with efforts to revamp its image.

"I believe that it (the logo) has to be updated because it's really old and doesn't show what BIR is now," tax chief Romeo Lumagui Jr. told reporters last week.

"Also, the logo has long been associated with a bad perception," he added.

The BIR — long viewed as one of the most corrupt agencies in government — in March announced a contest for the design of a new logo, which it said was needed given many operational and organizational changes since it was established in 1904.

"It is in light of the said changes/transformation that the BIR needs also to change its institutional symbol...," Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 47-2024 issued on March 11 states.

The new logo, it adds, should be "more representative of the directions of the current administration, which are geared towards the delivery or excellent taxpayer service through modernization and digitalization of core processes and frontline services..".

The deadline for submissions was April 19, 2024 and around 300 entries were received by the BIR, Lumagui said

The current logo, he noted, only features industries such as manufacturing, telecommunications, agriculture, and shipping, reflecting the major drivers of the economy when the BIR was founded.

"I don't see the BIR's mission in the logo," he added. "[W]e are collecting taxes for nation-building and improving the lives of Filipinos, that's what I want to see in the logo."

"I also want the logo to reflect integrity and professionalism, which I currently don't see."

Lumagui, who was named BIR chief in November 2022, said "we want to change the image of BIR, so by changing the logo, we change the perception...".

Winners of the design contest will receive cash prizes of P100,000, P50,000, and P25,000 (third prize).

The best entry will be submitted to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for evaluation and necessary modifications based on the country's Flag and Heraldic Code.

"The modified logo will be sent back by the NHCP to the BIR, for comments and/or approval, and finally to the Office of the President, for final approval. Only then can the new logo be used officially by the BIR," RMC 47-2024 states.

If approved, Lumagui plans to launch the new logo in August, coinciding with the agency's 120th anniversary.

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