Gatchalian seeks inquiry into status of BIR's digitalization program
Sen. Win Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), presides over a public hearing on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
The hearing gathered key government agencies for a briefing on the country’s preparedness and response to issues arising from the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, focusing on its potential impact on overseas Filipinos, energy supply, food security, transportation, and the national economy. (Mark Balmores)
Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian is seeking an inquiry into the status of the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) digitalization program as the April 15 deadline for the filing of income tax returns (ITRs) is fast approaching.
Gatchalian filed a resolution to hold an inquiry into BIR's bid, which he said would enhance the government's revenue collection.
According fo him, the agency's digitalization program would make tax compliance easier and more accessible for Filipinos.
Gatchalian's Senate Resolution (SR) No. 316 pointed out that as per BIR’s February tax campaign, 85 percent of the collections came through electronic payments.
"This signals readiness for a full digital shift and underscores the need to accelerate the BIR’s digitalization program," Gatchalian said.
"An effective tax administration eases taxpayer burden, boosts compliance, cuts red tape, curbs corruption, and builds public confidence," he added.
The BIR is mandated under the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, authored by Gatchalian, to adopt an integrated digitalization strategy by providing automated end-to-end solutions for the benefit of taxpayers.