THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said that despite the negative perception about taxation, it remains a crucial element for the government to fund economic development programs that would benefit the whole country.
This was emphasized by BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. as he presented the “BIR Commissioner’s Report” during a press conference organized recently by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
In his report, Commissioner Lumagui outlined the four pillars of the BIR’s tax campaign, starting with Excellent Taxpayer Service wherein he emphasized the BIR’s commitment to deliver prompt, efficient and competent service, ensuring that taxpayers receive value for their contributions.
The second pillar, which is Digitalization, the Commissioner acknowledged the importance of bringing all aspects of tax administration into the digital realm for enhanced efficiency, impartiality, and transparency.
Meanwhile, for the third pillar, Integrity in the Revenue Service, the BIR chief underscored the importance of good governance in the growth of any organization and expressed the Bureau’s commitment to champion integrity and transparency to prevent corruption in the revenue service.
Finally, for Audit and Enforcement, Lumagui focused on combating illicit trade to protect legitimate businesses and government revenues through robust audit and enforcement measures.
He also stressed the Bureau’s dedication to achieve its revenue targets to sustain the country’s economic recovery programs, and likewise urged collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the role of taxpayers in supporting the nation’s economic recovery through their contributions.
“Let us therefore work together to keep the public informed, and to encourage them to support the country’s economic recovery through their taxes. In so doing, we can all assure our people of a future of peace and progress, and the prospect of even better times ahead,” Lumagui stated.