Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday said the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations (TBORO), which the Senate has approved on third and final reading, will not only protect taxpayers’ interest but will also benefit the government.
In a press release, Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means and one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 1806 or TBORO, said the measure will help the government increase revenue collections as more taxpayers will properly pay their taxes.
He said the measure covers taxpayers’ fundamental rights, such as the right to receive clear and simplified guidance on complying with laws, rules, and regulations implemented by revenue authorities.
He said TBORO will make sure that taxpayers “will be adequately informed in cases of any deficiencies or violations”, and this will promote tax compliance.
To represent low-income taxpayers, the measure provides for the creation of the Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate (ONTA), an independent and autonomous agency attached to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will assist the public in their tax concerns, and issue opinions.
“Gusto natin na mas maging malinaw para sa ating mga taxpayers ang proseso ng pagbubuwis. Layon nating mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na maintindihan ng maayos hindi lang ang kanilang mga obligasyon kundi ang kanilang mga karapatan bilang mga taxpayers,” (We want our taxpayers to have a clear view of the process of imposing tax. We aim to give them the chance to clearly understand not just their obligations but also their rights),” Gatchalian said.
The lawmaker also thanked the co-authors of the bill– Senators Lito Lapid, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Cynthia Villar, and Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senate President Juan MIguel Zubiri. (PNA)