Businessmen, diplomats raised issues over BIR’s alleged LOA scheme

Senate Deputy Majority Chief JV Ejercito additionally warns that information of rampant corruption might deter potential traders from getting into the nation

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Deputy Majority Chief JV Ejercito stated he has been receiving a stream of complaints from businessmen and even overseas ambassadors over an alleged extortion racket contained in the Bureau of Inner Income (BIR).

At a press convention on Tuesday, November 25, Ejercito stated BIR personnel have allegedly been operating an aggressive shakedown utilizing Letters of Authority (LOAs), concentrating on not solely native corporations but additionally overseas firms working within the nation.

LOAs are formal paperwork that authorize BIR income officers to look at the books and data of a taxpayer. These are thought-about the place to begin of any BIR audit or investigation.

Senator Erwin Tulfo earlier filed a decision to direct the Senate blue ribbon committee to probe the alleged extortion scheme. Tulfo claimed that BIR personnel used LOAs to strain companies into paying “discounted” charges to keep away from inflated tax assessments.

The BIR has since suspended discipline audit operations, together with LOA issuances, pending an analysis of inside processes to be able to shield taxpayers from abuse. (READ: BIR suspends discipline audits amid calls to probe alleged extortion scheme)

Ejercito additionally warned that information of rampant corruption within the Philippines such because the flood management scandal might deter potential traders from getting into the nation.

Fitch Options unit BMI forecast that the corruption scandal will dampen overseas direct investments getting into the Philippines in 2026 as inflows’ share of gross home product have already fallen under pre-COVID-19 pandemic averages. – Rappler.com