Doctors’ group welcomes SC order to halt BIR rule on professional fees
The Supreme Court building in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) lauded the Supreme Court (SC) decision that stopped the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from implementing a new policy requiring professionals to disclose their fees to tax authorities.
“We see a silver lining here. We, the medical doctors have taken the high road towards developing a culture of change to help the government’s advocacy in paying the right taxes and be responsible citizens. We assure the government that we will continue to lead our ranks in practicing honesty and transparency,” said Dr. Anthony Leachon, PCP president, in a statement.
According to SC’s information chief, Theodore Te, in a press conference earlier, the Court acted on the motion for leave of court to file intervention and the attached motion for intervention filed by the PCP by allowing the intervention and issuing a temporary restraining order against the BIR Revenue Regulation 4-2014 in favor of doctors this time.
Both the Philippine College of Physicians and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) have filed separate petitions saying that Revenue Regulation 4-2014 titled “Guidelines and Policies for the Monitoring of Services Fees of Professionals” is unconstitutional.
“On behalf of the medical doctors, I must thank Commissioner Kim Henares in providing us the support to comply with our obligation and pave the way for a partnership that restores pride and nobility in the medical profession. We are humbled by the SC decision, finding the PCP position meritorious and justifiable,” Leachon said.
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