Dr. Christian Scheld, newly elected President of GPCCI, opened the session by underscoring the BIR’s critical role in ensuring an efficient, transparent, and predictable tax system, noting the importance of clarity and consistency in tax processes for businesses operating across jurisdictions. He emphasized that open dialogue is essential in addressing operational concerns such as ruling timelines, audit consistency, and the effectiveness of digital systems.
The session featured Hon. Marissa O. Cabreros, CESO III, Deputy Commissioner of the Strategic Reform Group of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, highlighted the BIR’s ongoing efforts to modernize tax administration through digitalization to improve efficiency, transparency, and ease of compliance, while supporting broader reforms in governance, service delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
An interactive Q&A session moderated by Dr. Marian Norbert Majer, Chairperson of the GPCCI Policy and Advocacy Committee, provided members the opportunity to raise practical concerns and engage directly with the BIR. Members raised points on:
- The need for clearer and more predictable audit practices, particularly for taxpayers with a strong track record of successful VAT refund claims.
- The importance of strengthening transparency and consistency in audit processes in line with the BIR’s DARES Five-Point Reform and Legacy Agenda, including consideration of aggregated audit outcome data.
- The business community’s readiness to collaborate with the BIR in addressing recurring or jurisprudence settled audit issues to help reduce future disputes.
- Clarification on the application and implications of Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 030‑2026.
The discussion concluded with synthesis and closing remarks from Ms. Marie Antoniette Mariano, Vice Chairperson of the Committee, who expressed appreciation to Deputy Commissioner Cabreros and participants for their active engagement.
GPCCI reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the IMPACT Dialogue Series with other key government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Customs, and Food and Drug Administration, to address cross‑cutting regulatory priorities.
