MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has flagged alleged systemic corruption within the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), citing heavy concerns raised by business leaders regarding tax assessments and permit processing.
Speaking on his radio program on Saturday, Remulla discussed ongoing initiatives to revive the investment ombudsman while highlighting alarming complaints from the business community.
He claimed that certain personnel operate less like regulators and more like unauthorized stakeholders in private enterprises.
“Ang isang pinaka-malaking problema natin ngayon BIR… talagang ina-ano nila, para silang kasosyo talaga. Yung republika, may utang sa kanila palagi, yung nga taga-BIR,” Remulla said.
“May nangyayari diyan, yung 70-30: 70 sa BIR, 30 sa bayan,” he added, though he did not provide further elaboration on the specific breakdown.
The Ombudsman also revisited issues surrounding the alleged misuse of Letters of Authority (LOAs). It can be recalled that the BIR previously suspended the issuance of LOAs in November 2025 following reports that the documents were being exploited for illicit money-making schemes, prompting the creation of a technical working group to overhaul the system.
Aside from tax sector grievances, Remulla slammed peddlers of fake news targeting public institutions, connecting recent disinformation campaigns to efforts aimed at undermining the judiciary and destabilizing governance.
Having been cancer-free since 2023, the Ombudsman has previously pushed for legal action against those spreading falsehoods about his health.
“Gusto nila, alugin yung institution… Gusto nila influence yung korte. Kaya contemptuous yun,” Remulla stated.
Addressing broader political friction and his office’s expanding mandate—including recent controversies linked to security details of former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez—Remulla noted that his office has drawn pushback from various political factions.
“Ang kalaban ng opisina ko ngayon, marami kaming kalaban na DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters), at mayroon kaming kalaban na galing din sa… loob, sa hanay ng mga nakasama dati,” he remarked.
Remulla maintained that he would let the evidence speak for itself and stated that he is leaving the investigation of digital disinformation matters in the hands of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).