Christian Antolin takes a swipe at BIR badge rule

Content creator Christian Antolin takes aim at the BIR registration badge amid public service frustrations.

Content creator Christian Antolin took a jab at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) over its registration seal badge requirement, pairing a photo of himself holding the badge with edited images depicting public service problems.

“Flex ko lang BIR Seal Badge ko,” Antolin wrote, adding, “This is where our taxes go.”

The images show flooded streets, overcrowded hospital wards, packed public transportation, and inadequate learning facilities. The post appeared to contrast the BIR’s registration requirement with concerns over public services and government accountability.

However, the edited images do not establish how specific tax revenues were spent or independently verify the conditions depicted.

Why the badge drew criticism

The BIR introduced the registration seal badge through Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 38-2026, issued on April 29, 2026. The requirement covered online sellers, service providers, and digital earners, including vloggers, influencers, and content creators.

The badge was designed as an alternative to displaying a full BIR Certificate of Registration (COR) or electronic Certificate of Registration (eCOR) on websites, e-commerce pages, and other online platforms. Its QR code allows users to verify registration information.

The policy drew criticism over data privacy, the scope of the rules, and compliance concerns. It also fueled questions about whether taxpayers should face additional requirements while demanding greater accountability for public spending.

BIR suspends mandatory badge display

On October 26, BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza announced the suspension of mandatory badge display until further notice. Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 113-2026 formalized the move.

The BIR cited concerns from online sellers, content creators, and other taxpayers over data privacy, technical issues, and the scope of the requirement. It said it would coordinate with the National Privacy Commission and consult stakeholders.

Taxpayers who already have badges may continue displaying them voluntarily during the suspension. They will not be penalized solely for failing to display the badge while the suspension remains in effect.

The suspension does not mean the requirement has been permanently scrapped. The BIR has yet to announce whether or when mandatory display will resume.

Antolin’s post adds to the criticism of the policy, using the badge to raise questions about government accountability. While the images do not prove how taxes are spent, the post taps into public frustration over compliance requirements and expectations of better public services and transparency.

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