The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) continue to lead tax administration sessions for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officers to ensure better taxpayer experience and fiscal autonomy in preparation for the operationalization of the Bangsamoro Revenue Office (BRO).

This capacity-building initiative was directed by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s agenda of enhancing tax collection efficiency of the national government and the Bangsamoro government.

“We are moving from high-level discussions to the essential inner works and concepts of tax administration,” said DOF-Revenue Operations Group Undersecretary Charlito Martin R. Mendoza in his welcome message.

The session served as a practical and interactive opportunity to delve into some of the important mechanics behind the BIR’s tax administration work.

Practical sessions on the various aspects of organizational coordination and management, human resources and staffing systems, and information and coordination mechanisms were also thoroughly discussed.

The BARMM’s taxpayer demographic and revenue collection data were also analyzed to help officers better manage taxpayer compliance.

“[S]tage III marks the culmination of this year’s walkthrough series. It is designed to bring together what we have learned and translate it into actionable steps for transition. We recognize that the path to fiscal autonomy mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) requires steady guidance and close collaboration,” Ministry of Finance, and Budget and Management (MFBM) Chief Financial Management Specialist and BRO Officer-in-Charge Atty. Hanamir Emblawa said on behalf of MFMB Minister Ubaida Pacasem.

Minister Pacasem also stressed how the DOF and BIR’s support is crucial in helping the Bangsamoro government establish a revenue office that is efficient, transparent, technology-enabled, and responsive to the needs of their constituents.

The walkthrough was led by DOF Revenue Operations Group Assistant Secretary Euvimil Nina R. Asuncion, BIR Deputy Commissioner Ma. Rosario Charo E. Curiba, and BIR Assistant Commissioners Beverly S. Milo and Marivic Acosta-Galban.

The representatives from the Bangsamoro Government were led by MFBM Chief Financial Management Specialist Hanamir N. Emblawa.

The initiative is part of the national government’s ongoing collaboration with the BARMM, through the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board – Tax Study Group (IFPB-TSG), which is crucial for the successful implementation of the region’s fiscal policies pursuant to Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.