SC stops BIR's new requirements for lawyers

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court en banc on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order against the Bureau of Internal Revenue's newly imposed requirements for lawyers.

The high court was responding to a petition by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, questioning the constitutional basis of the BIR's March 3 resolution "Guidelines and Policies for the Monitoring of Service fees of Professionals."

"The Court issued, as prayed for by the petitioner IBP, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) effective immediately and until further orders from the Court," SC said in a statement.

In the assailed resolution, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and BIR Commissioner Kim Henares require lawyers to submit an affidavit indicating legal rates, manner of billings and written justification for such fees annually.

They were also required to register and pay the annual registration fee, besides registering their books of accounts and appointment books before using them.

"They are likewise obligated to register their sales invoices and official receipts (VAT or non-VAT) before using them in any transactions," the BIR said in the resolution.

Lawyers, among other professionals, are further asked to register even "pro-bono" or free services they render as showing a discount of 100 percent.