Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto reminded the National Tax Research Center (NTRC) of its mission to build a tax system that is simple, transparent, and compassionate in order to ensure that the government can fund its promises without passing the bill to the next generation.
“As you mark this milestone, let me say this: the next chapter of NTRC is not just about refining formulas or reviewing fiscal frameworks. It is about making every Filipino feel seen and heard in the way we collect, allocate, and explain taxes,” he said in his speech at the NTRC’s 65th Anniversary on May 28, 2025.
Formally organized in 1960, the NTRC is an attached agency of the Department of Finance (DOF) with the primary mandate of conducting continuing research on taxation to improve the country’s tax system and promote greater tax awareness among the Filipino people.
Over the years, it has provided decision-makers with data-driven insights on various revenue reform proposals, ensuring that they are aligned with the country’s economic goals and are responsive to domestic and international taxation challenges and trends.
In his speech, Secretary Recto praised the NTRC for 65 years of meaningful work of doing the often complex but important job of making sense of taxes, which are the foundation of a working government and proof of the shared responsibility between the government and the people.
“They are the means by which we pool our hopes, our sacrifices, and our resources. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit may silid-aralan ang mga bata sa Sulu. Kung bakit may maayos na kalsada para sa mga magsasaka sa Isabela. At kung bakit may libreng gamot para sa mga pasyente sa Maynila,” he said.
“Ang buwis ay hindi lang pondo ng pamahalaan—ito ay sukatan ng malasakit natin sa isa’t isa,” the Finance Chief added.
He emphasized the integrity of the NTRC’s role of functioning as the conscience of the tax system––of asking the questions that matter, protecting the Filipino people from bad policies disguised as good politics, and shaping good laws that work for and not against the people.
“May this celebration not just be a look back, but a step forward. Because the work of making taxes fair, simple, and humane never ends. And in that profound mission, the NTRC will always matter,” Secretary Recto said.
“I know you’ll keep doing what you do best: challenging bad ideas, improving good ones, at ang pagpapaalala sa aming lahat na ang buwis ay usapin ng pagiging makatao at maka-Pilipino,” he added.
Over the years, the NTRC has remained actively engaged with stakeholders to help advance the passage of priority revenue measures in Congress.
As Secretariat to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), the NTRC has played a vital role in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth by rigorously evaluating incentives granted to major investment projects.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s digitalization agenda, the NTRC has undertaken a major upgrade of the Fiscal Incentives Registration and Monitoring System (FIRMS). This enhancement, rolled out in 2024, streamlines the application, registration, and monitoring of tax incentives for investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and registered business enterprises (RBEs).
To further promote tax awareness and education, the NTRC has consistently produced and disseminated accessible tax information through its Tax Research Journal, FIRB Imprint publications, and monthly e-newsletters—all regularly uploaded to the NTRC and FIRB websites.
