GMA open to BIR abolition

President Arroyo expressed an open mind yesterday on a proposal by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to abolish it and establish a new body to be called the Philippine Internal Revenue Authority (PIRA).

The President, however, pointed out such a proposal must undergo legislation.

The proposal was aired the other day by BIR commissioner Rene Banez before the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) general membership meeting.

Banez disclosed that even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had been urging the Philippine government to create such an independent body.

In her weekly press conference at Malacañang yesterday, President Arroyo said she has to refer Banez’s proposal to Finance Secretary Alberto Romulo, the immediate boss of Banez.

"Right now, I still have to be convinced," the President pointed out. " We are not against it (PIRA). But that requires legislation. And if you gonna look at what number it will be in our legislative priorities, I don’t think, it’s number one, two or three."

She, however, reiterated her administration’s determination to carry out wide ranging tax reforms as soon as the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) completes the comprehensive review of the country’s taxation system she earlier directed them to come up with. — Marichu Villanueva