In a bid to step up efforts to trace money behind the illegal drug trade, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) formalized an agreement that allows both agencies to exchange information for law enforcement and intelligence operations.

The Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) was signed by PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez and BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza on Friday, July 31, which coincided with the BIR's 122nd anniversary.

According to PDEA, the pact establishes a framework for the responsible exchange of information between them and the BIR to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve investigations involving financial activities tied to illegal drugs.

It also aims to promote transparency, accountability, and more efficient public service through closer collaboration between government agencies, the PDEA added.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to responsible information sharing and more effective action against the financial networks that support illegal drug activities,” Nerez said.

The partnership forms part of the national government's efforts to strengthen inte-ragency coordination against organized crime by targeting the financial infrastructure that supports illegal drug operations, alongside traditional anti-drug enforcement.

“When government agencies work together, we become more capable of protecting our communities, upholding accountability, and delivering better public service,” Nerez said.

Meanwhile, the PDEA congratulated the tax agency and expressed confidence that the partnership would further strengthen the government's efforts to build a safer, more secure, and drug-free Philippines.