‘GMA disappointed in Buñag’

While President Arroyo is disappointed over the performance of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Jose Ma. Buñag, there is no move to remove him from his post, Malacañang officials said yesterday.

Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said the President had openly expressed displeasure with the BIR’s performance during recent meetings with her economic managers where she has repeated the need to improve revenue collections.

"She’s been talking about pursuing revenue collection and, in fact, the expression is not only through her saying it outright but also calling for conferences to ensure that the collections will be pursued," Defensor said in a press briefing.

When asked to elaborate, he said: "Personal and official actions have been taken by the President to ensure that the (revenue) target will be complied with."

He said Mrs. Arroyo has taken extra interest in the government’s efforts to raise more revenues "by looking into details where we are weak and where we have to push some more."

However, the President "is not a hands-on manager," he said.

Defensor also sought to dispute justifications used by BIR officials, particularly possible corruption, as the reason for the agency’s major shortfall in April.

April is the BIR’s biggest collection month, as millions file their tax returns during this time.

He said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) also has its share of allegations of corruption, yet it has been exceeding its collection targets.

Defensor also said there is no move to fire Buñag, adding that the matter should be left to Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, Buñag’s boss, who gave him until June to improve the agency’s performance.

"I haven’t spoken yet with the (Buñag) but it’s really effectiveness and efficiency we should also be talking about," Defensor said. "The BIR is supposed to be the biggest revenue collection agency and we have to make sure that they comply with the target."