The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ordered on Friday, Jan. 28, all its regional directors and other field officials to utilize video conferencing as an alternative mode to face-to-face investigation of administrative cases.
BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay issued Revenue Memorandum Order No. 9-2022 to ensure the continuity of the adjudication process in view of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that restricts the movement of revenue officers and taxpayers.
In conducting video conference, the BIR chief stressed that taxmen should follow the procedure of the face-to-face hearings in observing the due process right of the taxpayer, giving him the opportunity to question the assessment and submit additional documents.
Dulay pointed out that the result of the hearings should be held confidential, adding that "any unlawful divulgence by revenue officers will be dealt with accordingly."
He said the video conference should be done with the use of officially provided Zoom video conference, or any authorized Microsoft team application allowed by the bureau's information system group.
The hearing officer who is the host of the gathering shall use the official email account of the taxpayer informing the later via his email address on the date of the virtual meeting.