The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) inspected several shops and stalls at 168 Shopping Mall in the Divisoria-Binondo area as part of its Tax Awareness Month activities.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said the activity is part of the Nationwide Simultaneous Friendly Tax Compliance Verification Drive, stressing that the emphasis is on being “friendly” as the agency aims to position itself as a partner of business establishments.
During the inspection, Mendoza personally asked vendors about their BIR permits and books of accounts.
“Tiningnan natin kung compliant ba sila? May certificate of registration ba? May authority to trade ba? May journal ba? Proper ba ang entry sa journal? Nag-iisue ba sila ng sales invoice?,” he said.
The BIR reported no major violations but noted minor issues among some stalls.
“Meron hindi naka-display, walang naka-display na ‘ask for a receipt’… Marami tayong nakita na minsan nilalump nila doon sa journal, dapat separate ang entries,” Mendoza added.
The commissioner emphasized the need to assist micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), noting that many lack accountants or bookkeepers due to additional costs.
“We are here to assist you especially itong mga micro small enterprises. Sila talaga nangangailangan ng tulong ng BIR’s compliance kasi usually wala naman yan accountants yan or hinahire na bookkeepers kasi added cost pa sa kanila,” he said.
The BIR remains optimistic about meeting its ₱3.58 trillion collection target this year after falling short of last year’s goal.
Mendoza said the target may still be revised depending on updated estimates from the Development Budget Coordinating Committee.