BIR seeks add'l funds for RATE program

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is optimistic it could secure an additional P20 million in fresh funds from the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) of the United States to finance its graft and corruption programs.

BIR deputy commissioner for legal and inspection Gregorio Cabantac said the additional P20 million would be used to hire more lawyers and help the agency file more cases under the government’s Run After Tax Evaders program (RATE).

He said the BIR does not have enough funds to build up its legal team.

Cabantac said his office has just completed the filing of 116 cases, a requisite set by the MCC.

“Last week, we finally nailed our 116th RATE case as prescribed by the MCC in connection with the country’s pending application for Compact Status. Once granted, we are seeking at least P20 million in additional funding for the RATE program,” he said.

The implementation of the RATE program is part of the government’s agreement with the MCC where the Philippines will get funding for its anti-corruption programs.

Last March, the MCC board of directors announced that the Philippines had been selected as eligible to apply for a higher MCC status or the Compact Status.

A US government corporation established in 2004, the MCC works with some of the poorest countries in the world based on the principle that for assistance to be truly effective, it must reinforce good governance, economic freedom and investments in people.