BIR can’t use SALN waiver–Henares

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Manila Philippines—The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) cannot use the SALN waiver to automatically look into all SALNs of government officials, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said over Radyo Inquirer 990 AM early Tuesday.

In an interview, Henares clarified that formal complaints and charges must first be filed against a government official before the BIR can investigate for possible tax evasion.

“Kailangan hong mayroon kaming dahilan. Hindi naman po p’wedeng fishing expedition lang (We have to have a reason for the investigation. We cannot conduct a fishing expedition),” Henares said.

Henares said the BIR could not look into all the SALNs of the 1.3 million government officials in the country. She said the BIR could not randomly look into a government official’s SALN for fear that they be charged of singling out a person.

“Kung pipiliin namin at walang rason baka sabihin pinili namin dahil galit ako sa kanya (If we choose to look into one without a reason, people might think I am mad at that government official),” Henares said.

Henares clarified that it was the Ombudsman who could use the waiver to get documents from other government agencies to aid investigations.

The BIR is continuing its investigation on the alleged tax evasion charges against former Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was convicted by the Senate last Tuesday on charges of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer.