BIR
Finance Secretary Frederick Go has affirmed full support for BIR reforms, including a temporary suspension of Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders under Revenue Memorandum Circular 107-2025, as the agency addresses Senate concerns over audit abuses. This follows BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza's announcement requiring his office's clearance for all LOAs, made during a December 11 Senate Blue Ribbon hearing.
Reported by AI
The Philippines faces challenges in tax collection with a low tax-to-GDP ratio of 14.1% in 2023, far below regional averages. While the Bureau of Internal Revenue has implemented campaigns like RATE and RAFT, experts call for smarter, sector-based enforcement to combat evasion and corruption. Stronger coordination between agencies like PEZA and BIR is essential to prevent leakages in special economic zones.