Tulfo files resolution to probe alleged BIR extortion using LOAs

Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed a resolution requesting the Senate blue ribbon committee to investigate alleged corruption within the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), specifically the misuse of Letters of Authority (LOAs) for extortion.

Tulfo claims numerous complaints suggest the BIR is the second most corrupt agency, after the DPWH, due to personnel allegedly pressuring small businesses to pay discounted amounts to avoid inflated assessments.

LOAs, intended for tax audits based on suspicion, are reportedly being used excessively, with some instances involving fake or unauthorized LOAs, and the substitution of Mission Orders to evade scrutiny.

He cited an example where BIR personnel allegedly offer a discount on tax assessments, pocketing a portion of the payment.

The senator's goal is for the Senate blue ribbon panel to immediately investigate these corruption reports, identifying BIR "examiners" as likely involved in the scheme.