Business groups back suspension of tax field audits

Business groups are in favor of the suspension of all field audits of the Bureau of the Internal Revenue (BIR), amid concerns over audit procedures.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO and NEIL SERVALLOS

In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it welcomes Finance Secretary Frederick Go and BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza's move to suspend all field audits and related operations of the agency, including the issuance of letters of authority (LOA).

"This intervention provides crucial and immediate relief to businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, by granting them much-needed operational breathing room to better focus on year-end priorities," the PCCI said.

It added the development allows businesses to focus on strategic planning, inventory management and holiday season sales without the added pressure of a BIR audit.

Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. president Dan Lachica also welcomed the development.

"I'm glad the new BIR commissioner suspended all audits, the LOAS, because this is again another avenue for corrupt officials," Lachica said at the BusinessWorld Forecast 2026 Forum yesterday.

The PCCI said it also sees the BIR's establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to review and update the BIR's existing policy frameworks on the issuance and implementation of LOAS and related audit procedures as a welcome development.