Senate to resume LoA inquiry

THE SENATE Blue Ribbon Committee is set to resume its inquiry into the alleged misuse and weaponization of letters of authority (LoA) by Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officials.

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, who heads the panel, said on Monday that he will schedule a committee hearing this week to hear updates on the new reforms imposed by the BIR to prevent further abuse of audit documents.

“The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee needs to be formally informed of the new reforms instituted by the BIR in relation to the issuance of LoAs and if safeguards are already in place to prevent or at least minimize abuse committed against our taxpayers, then we may have to conclude the committee hearings on the matter,” he said in a statement.

The committee has been investigating the alleged misuse and weaponization of LoAs, and Mission Orders following calls from business groups claiming that BIR personnel issued excessive and irregular audit letters.

Senators also claimed that BIR personnel pocketed 70% of collections, with only 30% being transferred to the agency.

“We will schedule a hearing this week in this regard to hear what the BIR has to say,” he added.

The BIR earlier said that it would resume its audit operations, including the issuance of LoAs and Mission Orders. The issuance of audit documents was suspended for two months following the misuse allegations. — Adrian H. Halili