With a revised code of ethics and a no-nonsense drive against a big-time tax evaders, the Bureau of Internal Revenue expressed confidence it can meet its revenue target of P959 billion in 2011.
BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said she has confidence in her personnel to get the job done, guided by the revised code of conduct that will turn away "temptations" along the way.
“I think the BIR is always ready to meet that challenge. I have confidence that my people can do the job. Goals are made for you to try to hit, as much as possible we would like to achieve it," she said in an interview on dwIZ radio.
Earlier, the interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) estimated the BIR may be able to collect P959 billion in 2011, or P99 billion higher than the 2010 target of P860 billion.
The DBCC expects the Bureau of Customs to collect P343 billion in 2011, or P63 billion more than the P280 billion set for this year.
On the other hand, Henares said the BIR is already sending a strong message to tax evaders by filing charges against at least one big-time evader every other week.
“[We do not file cases] for the sake of filing them. The intent is to put those who don’t pay taxes in jail, that is the objective," she said.
On the other hand, she reminded BIR officials of their ethics code that bars them from receiving gifts or having meals with big-time taxpayers.
She said that while there are exemptions to the rule on gifts such as in certain occasions, the gifts must not be of high value.
“Kung birthday [bilang mga] Pilipino, di yan maiiwasan. Pero yun lang, isang thought lang, pero di dapat malaki ang halaga (If it is an occasion like a birthday, that is part of Filipino culture to give a gift. But it should not be a high-value gift)," she said.
Also, she said transactions with taxpayers should be taken inside the office “as much as possible," since the documents involved in official business are there.
Still, she acknowledged there are instances where BIR officers must meet with some parties outside the office.
“I cannot say [that] all the time we cannot go out to meet your client. There may be situations that need it, but as much as possible do it in the office," she said. — LBG
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