BIR chief: It’s OK to tap private sector in rehab efforts

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Chief Kim Henares said there is nothing wrong with the plan of rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson to engage the private sector in implementing reconstruction work in Yolanda-stricken areas.

However, Henares said the private sector must come from the typhoon stricken areas.

“What you want to do is help people in the locality to rise up. You do not want a competitor from outside to come in and take advantage because in all disasters, there are a lot of opportunities to make money,” Henares told reporters Thursday.

“What is important is to make capital available to them in a more concessionary rate, a long-term rate, a lower-interest rate. Affected people should be given the opportunity,” she added.

“We have nothing about private sector leading the initiative but there should be modification; it should be local private sector so that the benefit could go to the local private sector,” Henares said.

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