Jimmy Saberon
Commissioner of Internal Revenue Atty. Charlie Martin R. Mendoza met with key officials of the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives, Inc. (PCCI) to address tax-related concerns affecting cooperatives and to strengthen collaboration between the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the sector.
The meeting was led by PCCI Chairperson Noel D. Raboy and Secretary General Edwin Bustillos, who conveyed the organization’s support for the BIR’s ongoing audit reforms, particularly the BIR D.A.R.E.S. initiative. The program aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness in tax administration.
During the dialogue, PCCI representatives raised challenges cooperatives face in complying with tax regulations, including issues related to audit procedures and compliance requirements. They also presented recommendations intended to help ensure that the specific circumstances of cooperatives are considered in the implementation of tax policies.
Commissioner Mendoza underscored the BIR’s commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders and emphasized that reform efforts are geared toward strengthening accountability while providing clearer guidance to taxpayers.
He reiterated that the agency will continue to pursue sustained dialogue with the cooperatives sector and enhance tax education initiatives to improve compliance and understanding of regulatory requirements.
“The BIR remains committed to ensuring that our reforms are implemented fairly and transparently, while maintaining open lines of communication with our stakeholders,” Mendoza said, stressing the importance of partnership in improving tax administration.
Other BIR officials present at the meeting included Deputy Commissioner Larry M. Barcelo of the Legal Group; Assistant Commissioner Mariza Uy of the Assessment Service; Atty. Brianna Kay delos Santos, Officer-in-Charge of the Legal and Legislative Division; Atty. Ethelda Conchita H. Rivera, Chief of the Accounts Receivable Monitoring Division; Mr. Conrado Item, Chief of the Miscellaneous Operations Monitoring Division; Ms. Monserrat Venus Axalan, Chief of the Audit Information, Tax Exemption and Incentives Division; and Atty. Cyril Ann Q. Iriberri Menguito of the Office of the Commissioner.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to continued coordination and cooperation to address tax concerns and strengthen compliance within the cooperatives sector.
