A resolution asking the Senate blue ribbon panel to investigate the alleged misuse and weaponization of letters of authority (LOA) by the personnel of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a money-making scheme has been filed in the Senate.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo, in a press conference on Monday, said numerous complaints have reached his office regarding the alleged corruption in the bureau.
‘While we are busy with flood control, there’s corruption happening in the BIR. That’s why I said, it’s the second-most corrupt agency, next to the DPWH,’ said Tulfo.
‘They are doing too much. Even if the businessman paid his taxes, they will stil inspect it. What I understand is that LOA is meant for a search warrant. They will give you a LOA if they are suspecting the tax you paid,’ he added.
LOAs refer to the official document that grants revenue officers permission to conduct a tax audit on a business or taxpayer.
Tulfo, meanwhile, said his objective in filing the resolution is for the Senate blue ribbon panel to be able to look into the reports of corruption immediately.
As for the personalities involved in the supposed money-making scheme, Tulfo said in the reports he received, those involved are likely ‘examiners.’
But he said they would also invite former BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., considering that the ‘corruption’ in the agency reportedly worsened in 2024 or during his tenure.