Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into delays affecting the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) digitalization program, even as electronic tax payment systems continue to see increased use.
Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said Senate Resolution No. 316 aims to assess whether the BIR is on track to achieve a faster, simpler, and more accessible tax filing and payment system. He stressed that a fully digital tax system could significantly boost revenue collection efficiency.
He noted that 85% of BIR collections in February were already processed through electronic channels.
“Senyales ito ng kahandaan para sa ganap na digital shift at nagpapatunay sa pangangailangang pabilisin ang digitalization program ng BIR,” he said.
The senator added that modernizing tax administration would not only ease taxpayer compliance but also enhance public trust in government systems.
“Ang isang epektibong pangangasiwa sa buwis ay nagpapagaan sa pasanin ng mga taxpayer, nagpapataas ng compliance at nagbabawas ng red tape, pumipigil sa korapsyon, at nagpapatatag sa tiwala ng publiko,” Gatchalian said.
He also cited the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, which mandates the Bureau of Internal Revenue to implement an integrated, end-to-end digital tax system.
Despite this legal framework, Gatchalian expressed concern over implementation delays, noting that the BIR itself has acknowledged it may miss its target of achieving 99% digitalization by 2026, even with ₱3.22 billion allocated under the national budget for the program.