Several business groups in the country expressed appreciation for the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) decision to suspend the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs), saying the move protects taxpayers.

They also lauded newly appointed BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza’s decision to form a technical working group (TWG) that will review the policy framework on the issuance of LOAs and MOs.

In a statement, the Makati Business Club thanked officials of the Department of Finance (DOF), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs for this decision, noting that these instruments are being used “to squeeze more money out of responsible and legitimate taxpayers, instead of targeting tax evaders.”

The group also cited Mendoza’s plan to make tax administration “predictable, evidence-based, technology-driven, and fair.”

It vowed to team up with these agencies “to achieve real reform towards President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos Jr.’s overarching directive for an efficient and fair Revenue collection.”

“This is a key component in improving the business environment to attract investors that will generate more jobs and jumpstart the economy,” it added.

Relatively, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said Mendoza’s decision “provides crucial and immediate relief to businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises” since these allow the businesses “much-needed operational breathing room to better focus on year-end priorities such as strategic planning, inventory management and holiday season sales without the added pressure of a BIR audit.”

“PCCI sees this as an important opportunity to improve guidelines, strengthen internal controls, and ensure that the audit system fully aligns with established rules and the principles of due process,” it said, vowing to work with the DOF and the BIR to help “cultivate a tax system that protects compliant taxpayers, supports efficient and fair revenue collection, and upholds the standards of accountability, integrity, and transparency.”

Also, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), in a separate statement, lauded officials of the DOF and BIR for these decisions saying these will help “address systemic issues, protect taxpayer rights, and develop a transparent, standardized, and modernized audit framework.”

“Industries have long carried their share in driving national development. Yet inconsistent practices have constrained their full potential. A fair and transparent tax system can unlock that potential, safeguard taxpayer rights, and build lasting trust for growth,” FPI Chairperson Elizabeth Lee said. (PNA)