BIR's RATE program cited

The Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has been recognized for its contribution to law enforcement.

In a statement, the BIR said the inter-agency National Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (NALECC), chaired by the Philippine National Police (PNP), recognized the RATE program for “its significant contributions to the advancement of NALECC’s objectives and to law enforcement.”

The award was given last Sept. 17 in Cebu City where the agency was cited as the NALECC’s Most Active Member-Agency.

BIR deputy commissioner for legal and inspection Gregorio Cabantac said in 2007, the RATE program netted the National Government a total of P8.7 billion in potential tax collections after winning 65 of its 76 tax cases.

It also posted another P641.2 million in potential savings after 27 refund cases filed against the BIR were denied by the courts. In 2006, the BIR’s Legal Group was able to win 75 percent of its 48 tax assessment and refund cases, translating to P7.9 billion tax collectibles and tax savings that were confirmed valid by the courts.

“We want to assure the general public that all efforts are being done by the government to combat tax evasion and lawlessness within the finance and revenue sector as part of the economic programs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the BIR’s RATE program,” Cabantac said.