BIR COMMISSIONER CHARLITO MENDOZA LEADS PHILIPPINE HONOREES AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS INDONESIA 2026

 

BIR chief receives two major distinctions alongside COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, philanthropist Glenda Hufano, Manjit Singh Reandi, Mikee Romero, and distinguished Indonesian business and government leaders

BSD, INDONESIA — Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin Rada Mendoza emerged as one of the distinguished Philippine awardees at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026, receiving two major recognitions: Man of the Year – Philippines and Excellence in Public Service – Philippines.

The ceremony, held on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere, BSD, Greater Jakarta, brought together prominent government officials, business executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia to recognize leadership, innovation, public service, and contributions to economic development.

Appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as BIR Commissioner in November 2025, Mendoza leads the country’s principal revenue collection agency at a time when efficient tax administration, accountability, and the modernization of government services remain critical national priorities.

Under his leadership, the BIR has organized its reform agenda around BIR DARES, a five-point program covering Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform and Accountability, Revenue Collection and Base Protection, Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion, and Service Excellence and Stakeholder Engagement.

His administration emphasizes taxpayer-centered services and improved revenue collection, guided by the commitment of the BIR’s 2026 National Tax Campaign: “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo.”

Mendoza previously served as Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group of the Department of Finance from April 2024 to November 2025 and as District Collector of the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Cebu from July 2019 to October 2022.

Before entering government service, he established his credentials in private legal practice, beginning his career at ACCRALAW before co-founding Palafox Patriarca Romero and Mendoza Law Firm in 2014, where he became its first managing partner. He also taught law at several Philippine institutions.

A graduate of San Beda University College of Law, Mendoza placed third in the 2004 Philippine Bar Examinations. He also holds a degree in Geodetic Engineering from the University of the Philippines and is a licensed geodetic engineer.

His dual recognition at the Asia Leaders Awards highlights the importance of public leadership and institutional reform in advancing national development.

 

Philippine Leaders Recognized for Excellence

Other notable Philippine awardees included Commission on Elections Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, who received the Electoral Excellence Award in recognition of his work in election administration.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano received the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award, recognizing her entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to helping underprivileged children. Her philanthropic initiatives also include plans to extend her outreach to Indonesia.

Manjit T. Singh Reandi, president of Camp John Hay, was honored with the Man of Influence Award, while businessman Michael “Mikee” Romero received the Businessman of the Year – Philippines Award for his contributions to the business sector.

HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., represented by Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho, received the Innovative Company of the Year Award for its work in the energy sector.

Their recognition reflects the range of leadership represented at the ceremony, from public administration and electoral governance to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and business development.

 

Indonesian Government and Business Leaders Honored

Representing the host country, H.E. Budi Santoso, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award, recognizing his leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector. 

The awards also highlighted companies making significant contributions to their respective industries.

Cimory Group was named Fast Moving Company of the Year, recognizing its position in Indonesia’s fast-moving consumer goods industry.

PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the company behind the Alfamart retail chain, received the Company of the Year Award. Alfamart’s extensive retail network in Indonesia and the Philippines reflects the growing opportunities for cross-border business expansion and partnerships.

Orang Tua Group received the Brand Excellence Award – Indonesia, recognizing its standing in Indonesia’s consumer goods industry. The company is also exploring opportunities to establish a manufacturing presence in the Philippines, further highlighting the potential for investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

 

Eight Years of Recognizing Leadership in Asia

Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards was established in Manila to recognize outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose work contributes to economic and social progress.

The October 17 ceremony was attended by H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards.

The organizers emphasized that the awards serve not only as a recognition platform but also as a venue for strengthening business relationships, encouraging investments, and building stronger connections between the Philippines and Indonesia.

“Eight years ago, we established the Asia Leaders Awards in Manila with a vision: to promote the Philippines as a business hub in Asia by recognizing outstanding business leaders, entrepreneurs, and public servants whose contributions create opportunities, inspire progress, and move our nation forward,” Nicolas said.

“For the past three years, the Asia Leaders Awards has expanded its presence in Indonesia, reflecting our commitment to building stronger connections across Asia. We believe that leadership should not only be recognized within national boundaries but should also serve as a bridge connecting countries, industries, and people,” she added.

“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said.

Through its continued presence in both countries, the Asia Leaders Awards aims to foster an environment where public service, responsible business leadership, innovation, and international cooperation contribute to shared prosperity.

The recognition of Commissioner Mendoza and his fellow Philippine awardees, alongside Indonesian government and business leaders, reflects the awards’ broader mission of celebrating achievement while strengthening the partnership between two neighboring Southeast Asian nations.