MANILA, Nov. 13 -- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Thursday thanked former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., saying his stint at the bureau made it "stronger and more credible."

In a statement issued a day after Presidential Communications Office acting Secretary Dave Gomez announced the appointment of Finance Undersecretary Charlito Martin Mendoza as the new BIR chief, Recto cited Lumagui's contribution in ensuring adequate financing for the government.

"I thank Commissioner Jun for being a great partner and a fearless leader in our shared effort to ensure a reliable revenue flow for our people and to reform the tax system. Under his leadership, we have seen a stronger and more credible BIR. Nagpapasalam...