IMF agrees to discuss collection goal of BIR

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed to a proposal to hold a consultation meeting with the top officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) before an annual collection target is set, Internal Revenue Commissioner Dakila Fonacier said yesterday.

In a press briefing, Fonacier said he discussed this issue with IMF representative to Manila Sean Nolan last Thursday.

He is supportive of our effort. He (Nolan) agreed on discussing individual regional goals," Fonacier said.

The newly appointed BIR chief said the lack of proper consultations regarding the bureau's collection target is one of the major issues being discussed by the management committee.

"We took note of the fact that the BIR was not even consulted in the goal setting. This year's target is just thrown on my lap," he said.

Despite this, he said they have committed to meet the P397 billion collection target for this year. The 2000 target is about P500 million higher than the 1999 collection goal.

"All our Regional District Offices (RDOs) are requested to come up with a work plan," he said.

He expressed the hope that the BIR would be consulted in goal setting, "the result will be based on macroeconomic (assumptions) and bottom-up approach."

According to Fonacier, the IMF has offered to assist the bureau in the modernization of its computer system.

"Anytime we are ready to accept that offer. But, we have to work it (computerization) out internally first," he replied when asked if they would accept the help being offered by the IMF.

He said BIR officials would be ready to sit down and discuss revenue targets with the IMF In three to four weeks time.

The IMF has expressed concern time and again over the continuing shortfalls incurred by the bureau of the past years. This even prompted President Estrada to effect a revamp in his Cabinet after the resignation of Finance Secretary Edgardo Espiritu, BIR is under the supervision of the Department of Finance.

"The main thrust of my administration of the government's premier revenue collecting agency is to enhance tax collection in an atmosphere of partnership and shared responsibility between the BIR and the taxpayers," Fonacier said.