BIR taps barangay execs to help hike tax collection

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has tapped the services of barangay officials to improve its collection of revenues.

During a one-day seminar held last Friday in Danao City, Zora Dela Cruz, chief of staff of the BIR regional office, said barangay officials play an important role in identifying business and industrial establishments in their areas.

According to Dela Cruz, a businessman would be issued a barangay clearance before he can acquire a business or mayor's permit. Aside from issuing a barangay clearance, barangay captains can also assist the BIR in information dissemination.

Maslog barangay captain Josefina Quiros said that barangays would greatly benefit from the increase in tax collection as it would mean more project implementations.

BIR officials said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has emphasized the need to increase the revenue collection to address the country's fiscal problem.