Recto vows to eradicate inefficiency, corruption

As tax payment season begins, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has assured the taxpayers of judicious and efficient use of their hard-earned money, vowing to eradicate inefficiency or corruption within the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“To our taxpayers: Ako po mismo ang maniniguro na bawat sentimo mula sa inyo ay mapupunta sa pagpapaunlad ng ating bayan,” said Recto during the BIR’s National Tax Campaign Kick-off.

This year, the government targets to collect P4.3 trillion in revenues. The bulk of the tax revenues amounting to P3.05 trillion will be generated by the BIR, while the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is expected to collect close to P1 trillion.

In a statement, Recto said that these revenues will fuel the country’s economic engine towards Bagong Pilipinas, which is a more inclusive and sustainable Philippine economy marked by lower poverty rates, increased infrastructure and human capital investments, more quality jobs for the people, and improved public services.

Recto said that prompt, correct, and efficient tax payment and collection are the patriotic roles of both the BIR and taxpayers. He said that diligent taxpayers make the great task of collecting revenues much easier.

On the part of the BIR, Recto emphasized the need for accurate assessment and collection of the right taxes, continue improving on digitalization, and expedite the implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act to ensure excellent taxpayer service.

“When both sides effectively play their roles, we pave the way to progress with certainty,” the former senator said as he vowed to support the BIR in its modernization programs to make general tax compliance easier and taxation equitable.

Recto assured the public of the efficient execution of the 2024 national budget to ensure the timely implementation of projects and prevent government underspending.

He also called on each tax collector to uphold with utmost dedication the standards of responsiveness, integrity, and accountability in fulfilling their duties to the nation.

The DOF is also pushing for the passage of its refined priority tax measures to fund development and reduce the deficit.

To broaden the tax base, Recto added that the DOF is working on amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act to address investor concerns and tailor-fit incentives to attract more strategic investments into the country.

“This will prepare the red carpet for an influx of new investments that will provide high-quality jobs for Filipinos and broaden the tax base,” he said.

The finance chief further expressed confidence in the ability of the BIR to not only meet but surpass this year’s revenue collection target. –