The country’s largest business group has expressed support for the newly introduced reforms to the country’s audit system, noting that they will help create the stable business environment needed to attract investors.

In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it welcomed the recent issuance of Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 8-2026 and Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 1-2026 as landmark changes to the audit process.

“These landmark issuances lift the suspension on enforcement activities and introduce a modernized audit framework designed to strengthen transparency, predictability, and fairness in tax administration,” the PCCI said.

Under RMC No. 8-2026, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially resumed audit and field operations, including electronic letters of authority (eLAs), mission orders, and tax verification notices, following a two-month suspension.

While suspended, the BIR reviewed audit policies and internal control mechanisms to prevent potential abuse and irregularities.

RMO No. 1-2026, on the other hand, rolled out the BIR’s revised policies, controls, and procedures governing tax audits.

Under this order, the BIR is adopting the single-instance audit framework, which PCCI President Ferdinand Ferrer described as “game-changer.”

"It rationalizes the audit process, minimizes disruption to business operations, and ensures efficiency through the automatic consolidation of multiple eLAs into one LOA (letter of authority).

Through the audit framework, the issuance of multiple eLAs for the same taxpayer and taxable year is prohibited, curbing the likelihood of redundant audits.

Ferrer lauded the RMO’s implementation of an objective selection criteria, which aims to transform the audit selection process to a risk-based and data-driven system instead of relying on subjective discretion.

By prohibiting supposed unreasonable assessments, he said this would ensure audit notices are anchored strictly on unresolved issues, further upholding due process.

In addition, Ferrer lauded the rationalization of enforcement authority by shutting down task forces and returning assessment functions to BIR offices.

Through these reforms, PCCI Tax Committee Chairperson Benedicta Du-Baladad said the government will develop a climate of mutual trust between the government and the private sector, including potential investors.

"A predictable and transparent tax environment encourages voluntary compliance and builds confidence among businesses," said Du-Baladad.

"We believe these measures will contribute to a more stable and competitive business climate in the Philippines,” she added.

For PCCI, the government must implement these policies consistently to ensure that they translate into tangible improvements in the country’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business.