General Santos business chamber backs DOF suspension of BIR field audits

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GSCCCII) has expressed full support for the Department of Finance’s (DOF) order suspending all Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) field audits, calling the move a long-awaited relief for businesses and an important reset for the country’s tax system.

GSCCCII President Miguel Rene Dominguez commended BIR Commissioner Charlie Mendoza and Finance Secretary Frederick Go for acting swiftly on the concerns of taxpayers and local industries nationwide.

“This suspension is a strong signal of the government’s commitment to good governance, taxpayer protection, and transparent revenue administration,” Dominguez said.

He emphasized that the temporary halt provides government an opportunity to overhaul audit protocols, strengthen internal discipline, and address systemic issues that have placed undue pressure on legitimate enterprises — particularly MSMEs that drive the economies of General Santos City and the SOCCSKSARGEN region.

Dominguez also praised the creation of a Technical Working Group on LOA and Mission Order Integrity and Audit Reforms, saying it reflects a sincere effort to build audit systems that are predictable, tech-driven, evidence-based, and fair.

Finance Secretary Go earlier said the suspension is part of broader efforts to fix long-standing vulnerabilities within the BIR and modernize its enforcement processes.

GSCCCII said it hopes the reforms will result in a more transparent, accountable, and business-friendly tax environment that builds investor confidence and stimulates regional growth.