MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has approved on second reading a bill that will increase taxpayers’ rights protection.
Senate Bill No. 1806, or the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations Act, was approved on the second reading in the plenary on Tuesday.
It will be up for third and final reading next week, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said.
If enacted into law, the government will be mandated to establish the Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate (Onta). SBN 1806 states that the establishment of this body will “protect the rights of taxpayers, both substantive and procedural.”
“The Onta is hereby created to promote tax compliance and assist taxpayers. The Onta shall be an independent and autonomous office attached to the Department of Justice for purposes of policy and program coordination,” the proposal reads.
Under the bill, Onta will exercise the following functions, powers, and responsibilities:
- Assist the public with their tax queries and concerns relative to taxes
- Represent taxpayers, and assist, initiate, and intervene, as may be applicable, in tax cases, complaints, and proceedings after due evaluation
- Engage in regular information, education, and communication programs for all taxpayers
- Recommend remedial administrative measures to revenue authorities by way of continuing policy review and to the Anti-Red Tape Authority for purposes of reducing the regulatory burden on taxpayers
- Monitor tax issuances of revenue authorities, and propose recommendations, when necessary, at the administrative level to ensure that taxpayers’ rights
- Develop capacity-building programs, and conduct the necessary training for the officials and employees of Onta
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who presided over the session on Tuesday, pointed out that SBN 1806 is among the 20 priority measures of Congress this year.