New BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza Appointed by President Marcos Jr.

New BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza’s professional reputation is built upon his classification as a results-oriented technocrat, blending sharp legal acumen with extensive hands-on experience in public service that spans over two decades. His career trajectory, which started with a focus on customs laws, demonstrates how his dedication can help resolve large-scale problems such as low tax compliance and outdated government systems.

Distinguished Academic and Legal Foundations

Mendoza is one of the most highly decorated academic achievers to take on the BIR leadership role, highlighted by his performance in the Philippine Bar Exam:

• Top Bar Placer: Mendoza is recognized as a top Bar placer. After finishing law school, he secured the third spot in the highly competitive 2004 Philippine Bar Exam. This feat, achieved among thousands of takers, quickly marked him as a legal standout and paved the way for elite professional opportunities.
• Education: His formal education includes a Law degree from San Beda University, where he graduated with honors. Furthermore, he holds a foundational Geodetic Engineering degree from the University of the Philippines (UP), a top school known for fostering leaders and thinkers.
• International Legal Practice: Around the mid-2000s, Mendoza expanded his expertise by becoming a licensed attorney in Illinois, USA. This involved passing a strict bar exam in the US and studying American laws on trade and finance, which provided him with a valuable global perspective relevant to handling international trade and customs operations

Private Practice and Early Career

Before dedicating his career to high-level government roles, Mendoza was a practicing lawyer.

• Law Firm Experience: He served as a law firm partner and was a founding partner of the Palafox Patriarca Romero and Mendoza Law Firm. He also gained experience as an associate lawyer at two major firms: the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala and Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) and the Suarez and Narvasa Law Firm.
• Teaching and Mentorship: In addition to practicing law, he worked as a bar review lecturer. His background suggests a drive to serve, influenced by mentors who pushed him toward focusing on public good over private gain

Experience in Revenue Operations and Customs

Mendoza has demonstrated his proficiency in running major revenue agencies through various key roles:

• DOF Undersecretary: Prior to his BIR appointment, Mendoza held the position of Finance Undersecretary. He heads the DOF’s Revenue Operations Group, which is responsible for overseeing both the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) nationwide. He initially joined the DOF in 2024 as part of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s team.
• Customs District Collector: From July 2019 to October 2022, Mendoza served as the Customs Port of Cebu District Collector. In this capacity, he successfully led the team in processing shipments and achieved record collections.
• Operational Excellence: During his time in Cebu, he secured the ISO 9001:2015 certification for the port. This achievement was notable as it was the first time any customs district in the country had obtained this certification.

Personal Life

New BIR Commissioner, Charlito Mendoza, maintains a private personal life, a choice common among high-ranking public officials. Public details regarding a spouse or children are not available. Colleagues describe him as approachable, with a calm style that aids in effective team building. He views his role as a public service duty and enjoys reading on economics, often mentoring young lawyers on ethical choices. His appointment signals a dedication to continuity blended with necessary innovation, aiming for a modernized BIR that better serves taxpayers.