Insider Spotlight
In a statement released on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the pause reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting taxpayers and ensuring discipline within the agency.
“We hear the people. We hear your concerns and are immediately acting on them. The people deserve better,” he said.
Why it matters
The suspension signals a decisive government response amid complaints of potential misuse of audit authority and aims to rebuild trust in one of the country’s most critical revenue-collecting agencies.
Driving the news
BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said the halt covers all audit-related activities across the Bureau, including the Large Taxpayers Service, regional and district offices, Assessment Divisions, VAT Audit Units, and Intelligence and Special Audit Units.
“No LOA or MO shall be created, printed, signed, or served during the suspension period,” he said.
The move is grounded in Revenue Memorandum Circular 107-2025 and was issued after what Mendoza described as “extensive internal consultations” in his first week in office.
The exceptions
Only urgent or legally required cases will continue, including active criminal investigations, one-time transactions, audits nearing prescription within six months, refund claims requiring audit, and immediate actions involving taxpayers flagged by verified intelligence.
The bigger picture
Mendoza said the suspension is meant to protect taxpayer rights and strengthen internal discipline. “Any misuse of authority, harassment, or irregularity has no place in the Bureau,” he noted.
To advance reforms, Mendoza ordered the creation of a technical working group for letters of authority and mission order integrity and audit reforms. The body will review protocols, identify systemic vulnerabilities, and introduce digital safeguards and uniform audit standards.
What’s next
Reforms will focus on predictable, technology-driven, and evidence-based processes that uphold professionalism and transparency—aligned, Mendoza said, with President Marcos’ directive to ensure “efficient and fair revenue collections” while meeting targets. —Daxim L. Lucas |Ed: Corrie S, Narisma
