BIR chief alarmed over 'threats' vs tax collectors

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has raised its concern that some of its collectors have been receiving threats as the agency is bolstering its campaign to collect more taxes. "There are lots of people who are threaten[ing] our collectors," BIR chief Kim Henares told reporters Friday. Henares said she already advised the bureau's collectors to report to her office if threats against them "become serious." "We have already advised everyone that if there's a serious threat, they should report it to us... and we will make arrangements with the PNP [Philippine National Police] or with any law enforcement agency to provide them security," she said. Henares also advised BIR employees to be sensitive of their surroundings. "Be more aware where you're going and where you are. Those are the instructions," she said. She pointed out that BIR offices have tightened their security measures following the murder of a revenue district officer in Antipolo City last week. "We would like to ask for the understanding of taxpayers if they have to go through... this inconvenience," Henares said, adding that authorities are still investigating the incident that took place in Rizal province. Since July last year, the BIR and the Bureau of Customs have been filing before the Department of Justice cases against tax evaders and smugglers every other week. The BIR is tasked to collect P940 billion this year, higher than the P860-billion collection goal set last year. — JE, GMA News