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BIR cleans ranks
by Roberto M. Cabardo
Cebu City (27 June 2005) -- Image and identity are crucial in any organization. Is there a ray of hope for a government office that has always been regarded as among the most corrupt to redeem the organization and its employees from this public perception?
The Bureau of Internal Revenue's inspection service reveals that administrative cases had been filed against 363 erring BIR personnel. These account both for graft and non-graft cases since 2001.
BIR Commissioner Guillermo Parayno said that there have been two hundred twenty two (222) cases decided. Seventy six employees had been dismissed, 46 suspended, and the others have either been reprimanded, fined or forced to resign. Other cases involving dismissal are still awaiting confirmation and resolution by the Department of Finance.
A recent survey by the social weather stations shows that the BIR has improved on public acceptability rating. Commissioner Parayno says that while surveys are mostly based on perception, still they serve as gauges of the success of the BIR's anti-corruption efforts.
Parayno added that the BIR will soon provide the public with means to better lodge complaints against bir officials and employees. He also said that the enhancement of internal audit as well as improvement of investigation and prosecution of graft cases are likewise underway. Here in the region, BIR Information Officer Zora dela Cruz said that although there are employees being investigated for similar offenses but she refused to reveal any figure as all of the cases are now filed in court and in the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas. (PIA 7)

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