BIR, private sector team up to draft tax issuances
At A Glance
- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has partnered with nine multi-sectoral groups, including PCCI, TMAP, MAP, FINEX, PICPA, ACPAPP, ACPACI, PHILEXPORT, and JFC.<br>BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed with the private sector aims to improve taxpayer service and increase tax collection.<br>PCCI President George T. Barcelon views the MOA as a groundbreaking step towards building a better nation.<br>MAP Governor Benjamin R. Punongbayan believes the MOA will enhance the BIR's effectiveness in tax collection.<br>PICPA President Randy Blanza assures the BIR of their organization's support in tax administration.<br>JFC Primary Delegate Mimi Lopez-Malvar considers the MOA a landmark partnership between the government and the private sector.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has initiated a partnership with the private sector to jointly develop revenue issuances to promote tax compliance and facilitate efficient tax administration.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said engaging nine business and professional groups in this initiative demonstrates the bureau's shift towards being a service-oriented agency rather than solely focused on goals.
On Aug. 8, Lumagui entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) partnership with nine private sector groups in an effort to enhance taxpayer service provided by the BIR.
"This MOA is a historic day for the BIR and the country. In order to make the Philippines a top investment destination, we need to work hand-in-hand with the private sector. We will engage in dialogue with them,” Lumagui said in a statement on Monday, Aug. 14.
“I want a BIR that is a service-oriented agency. The more we help make the country business-friendly, the more investments it will create. Ultimately, the more taxes we will collect,” he added.
The BIR has formed partnerships with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), and Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX).
Additionally, collaborations have been established with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Service and Practice (ACPAPP), and Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI).
Also included are the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) and the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC).
George T. Barcelon, PCCI president said the MOA is a "groundbreaking" agreement that will foster collaboration between the business sector and the government, contributing to the development of a stronger nation.
Before MOA signing, Lumagui established the partnership with the multi-sectoral group (PMSG) committee last April 3.
The PMSG committee consists of Technical Working Groups from the project management and implementation service, legal group, Large Taxpayers Service, operations group, and the information systems group.
“Thank you, Commissioner, and those forming the Technical Working Group as well as the partners for creating this… and we assure you of our support,” Suzette A. Celicious-Sy, TMAP president said.
MAP Governor Benjamin R. Punongbayan, meanwhile, expressed his belief that the MOA will enhance the BIR's effectiveness in expanding its tax collection efforts.
Randy Blanza, PICPA president, also assured the BIR of their organization's unwavering support, highlighting their long-standing commitment to tax administration in the country.
“The initiative of BIR is very important as it provides a clear channel to raise suggestions towards comprehensive, relevant, and lawful policies and regulations and effective tax administration,” ACPAPP President Romualdo V. Murcia III said.
Lastly, Mimi Lopez-Malvar, the primary delegate of JFC, described the MOA as a significant partnership between the government and the private sector, marking a milestone in their collaborative efforts.
“We do look forward in maximizing this opportunity to help the BIR meet its objective and help the companies we represent comply with simplified, transparent, and equitable tax regulations as a result,” Lopez-Malvar said.