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Who Is Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr.? The Lawyer Who Modernized the Philippines’ BIR
Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. is a Filipino tax lawyer and former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines. Known for his leadership in tax reforms, digitalization, and strong enforcement against illicit trade, Lumagui became one of the youngest individuals to head the BIR. His recent removal from office in November 2025 has sparked national attention and public discussion.
Early Life and Education
Romeo Lumagui Jr., popularly known as “Jun Lumagui”, was born and raised in the Philippines.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from De La Salle University in 2000. He later earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 2005.
After completing law school, Lumagui successfully passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 2006, ranking 19th in the list of successful examinees.
His early academic years demonstrated his sharp intellect and strong interest in law, finance, and governance, which would later define his public service career.
Legal Career and Early Work Experience
After passing the bar, Jun Lumagui began his professional journey as an associate lawyer at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, one of the country’s most prestigious law firms.
He later became a founding partner at the law firm Morales Justiniano Peña & Lumagui, where he practiced taxation, litigation, and corporate law. His experience in both the private and public sectors made him one of the most respected young tax lawyers in the Philippines.
Entry into the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Lumagui entered public service in 2016, joining the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as Regional Investigation Division Chief for East NCR.
His early years in the BIR were marked by several enforcement operations against tax fraud, fake receipts, and illicit trade. He also contributed to the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) initiative, which became a central focus of his later leadership.
Appointment as BIR Commissioner
Rise to Leadership
On November 15, 2022, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
At only in his early 40s, Lumagui became the youngest person to ever lead the BIR, a role of great responsibility overseeing the nation’s tax system and one of the Philippines’ largest government agencies.
Key Reforms and Achievements
During his term, Lumagui implemented several modernization and transparency measures:
- Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT): A campaign targeting fake receipts and fraudulent tax practices.
- Digitalization Drive: Increased BIR’s electronic filing rate to 91% of returns by mid-2024.
- Enhanced Tax Collection: Oversaw PHP 2.85 trillion in revenue for 2024, marking a 13.29% year-on-year growth.
- Public Engagement: Promoted taxpayer education and transparency through digital and social media platforms.
His reforms were widely recognized both locally and internationally, earning him the Asia’s Influential Leader for Good Governance Award in 2024.
Controversies and Removal (2025 Update)
In November 2025, Malacañang Palace confirmed that Jun Lumagui was removed from his position as BIR Commissioner.
According to reports from Rappler, Inquirer, and Philippine Star, he was replaced by Finance Undersecretary Charlito Mendoza, despite Lumagui’s strong record in revenue performance and modernization.
The Palace did not release a detailed explanation for his removal, but analysts point to political realignments within the Department of Finance and economic leadership reshuffles as possible reasons.
Personal Life
Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. is married and based in Quezon City, Philippines. He is known to be close to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whose law firm he had professional connections with prior to his appointment.
Despite his high-profile role, Lumagui has kept his personal and family life private, maintaining a focus on his professional and public service responsibilities.
Social Media Presence
Lumagui actively engaged with the public through his official accounts:
- Facebook: Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. – over 100,000 followers
- Instagram: @romeolumaguijr – shares updates on tax reforms and public engagements
His online presence reflects his attempt to connect with taxpayers, promote transparency, and modernize the image of the BIR.
Legacy and Impact
Jun Lumagui’s term as BIR Commissioner will be remembered for:
- Reform-Driven Leadership
- Anti-Fraud Enforcement
- Digital Transformation of Tax Services
- Strong Revenue Performance Despite Economic Challenges
Even after leaving office, his policies, especially on digitalization and transparency - continue to influence how the BIR operates today.
Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. — Fast Facts
| Full Name | Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Jun Lumagui |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Profession | Tax Lawyer, Former BIR Commissioner |
| Education | Ateneo de Manila University (Law), De La Salle University (Commerce) |
| Appointed By | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. |
| Term as BIR Chief | November 2022 – November 2025 |
| Known For | BIR Digitalization, Anti-Fraud Reforms, RAFT Campaign |
| Awards | Asia’s Influential Leader for Good Governance (2024) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr.?
- Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. is a Filipino lawyer who served as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from 2022 to 2025. He is known for modernizing the tax system and introducing digital reforms.
Why was Jun Lumagui removed as BIR Commissioner?
- Malacañang confirmed his removal in November 2025 but did not provide an official reason. Reports suggest administrative reshuffling and political considerations may have been factors.
What are Jun Lumagui’s major achievements?
- He increased tax collections, improved transparency, launched anti-fraud campaigns, and led the BIR’s digital transformation, earning recognition for good governance.
Who replaced Jun Lumagui as BIR Commissioner?
- Finance Undersecretary Charlito Mendoza was appointed as the new Commissioner of the BIR in November 2025.
Is Jun Lumagui active on social media?
Yes. He has verified pages on Facebook and Instagram, where he previously shared updates about tax reforms and public programs.
Final Thoughts
Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. remains a key figure in the Philippines’ public administration and tax reform history. His three-year term at the BIR brought significant modernization, integrity, and renewed focus on efficiency in revenue collection.
Even after stepping down, his influence continues to shape future tax enforcement and governance strategies in the country.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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