THE ARTA Watch team from the Civil Service Commission in Central Visayas (CSC-7) visited the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) last Jan. 3 to inspect the agency’s implementation of the no-noon break policy and anti-fixer campaign.
The team, composed of Assistant Regional Director Editha Luzano, Chief Personnel Specialist Prolaine Daclan and Administrative Officer V Salve Ilustrisimo, arrived at BIR at 12:20 p.m.
The surprise visit revealed that the office implemented the no-noon break policy, except for the cashier’s booth and some divisions that render frontline services.
One client was waiting at the area to transact due to lack of manpower. The team learned that request for additional personnel for frontline services was already presented to the BIR Central Office.
Other ARTA required mechanism such as the Taxpayer’s Assistance/Complaints Desk was complied with by the BIR.
The desk provided an express lane for senior citizens, persons with disability and pregnant women. The desk attended by a knowledgeable personnel opened during lunch break.
The Citizens Charter containing step by step procedure for availing a particular frontline service was also posted in tarpaulins positioned in one corner of the lobby although not readily visible to the public.
The required anti-fixer campaign banner was also posted at the entrance of the building enough to be seen by the transacting public.
The visit ended at 1:10 p.m.
ARTA Watch is a mechanism to spot the government agencies’ compliance with the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007 such as the no-noon break policy and anti-fixer campaign.