The Senate has given its final approval to the proposed Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights and Obligations (TBORO), a significant step towards empowering and protecting taxpayers’ interests. Senator Win Gatchalian, who championed this legislation, believes it will not only benefit taxpayers but also bolster the government’s revenue collection efforts.
According to Gatchalian, the measure encompasses various fundamental rights for taxpayers, including the right to receive clear and simplified guidance on complying with laws, rules, and regulations implemented by revenue authorities. The bill ensures that taxpayers will be adequately informed in cases of any deficiencies or violations.
As the Senate passed Senate Bill No. 1806 or The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights and Obligations Act on third and final reading, the Chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means emphasized that in the process of empowering taxpayers, the measure will hope to enhance tax compliance on expectations that taxpayers will be more inclined in fulfilling their obligations if their rights and privileges are clear to them.
The measure also provides for the creation of the Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate (ONTA) which will represent low-income taxpayers, assist the public in their tax concerns, and issue opinions. The ONTA will be an independent and autonomous office attached to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“Gusto natin na mas maging malinaw para sa ating mga taxpayers ang proseso ng pagbubuwis. Layon nating mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na maintindihan nang maayos hindi lang ang kanilang mga obligasyon kundi ang kanilang mga karapatan bilang mga taxpayers,” he added.
Gatchalian also extended his gratitude to Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Senator Cynthia Villar, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senate President Juan MIguel Zubiri as co-authors of the bill.
