BARMM pushes digitalization to promote transparency, increase revenue collection

DAVAO CITY — Atty. Paisalin Tago, chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, said that the proposed Bangsamoro revenue code seeks to improve tax collection through digitalization.

The effort, Atty. Tago said, attempts to increase revenue generation while also promoting transparency and accountability within the Bangsamoro government. According to Atty. Tago, BTA Bill No. 286, or the proposed Bangsamoro revenue code, will enable the digitalization of tax collection operations.

The Bangsamoro Revenue Office will implement the initiative by developing programs to modernize and streamline regional tax collection. The key feature of digitalization will be the integration of tax collection systems with the information systems of various local and national government offices involved in revenue collection.

Atty. Tago emphasized the necessity of this digital transition to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of tax collection within the region. He highlighted the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' efforts in conducting studies and developing applications tailored to facilitate digital tax collection in the BARMM.

The importance of the proposed revenue code was underscored during a two-day focus group discussion held in Davao City, where experts from various sectors in Region 11 provided valuable insights.

Atty. Lerca Guipe Valdez of the LGPV Law Office expressed support for tax administration digitalization, citing its potential to enhance efficiency and Atty. Leo Artemio Puertos of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recognized the importance of passing the revenue code and recommended alternative modes of fund collection to ensure secure and efficient revenue delivery.

Echoing similar sentiments, Atty. Manuel Quibod, Dean of Ateneo de Davao’s College of Law, commended the constitutionality and legality of the proposed revenue code, asserting its alignment with the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Jonathan Susvilla of the BARMM’s Bureau of Local Government Finance emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration with local government units in tax collection efforts.

Atty. Tago stressed that the Bangsamoro Revenue Code stands as the most critical among the seven priority codes the interim government must pass within the transition period.

Filed by the Government of the Day, the proposed code seeks to regulate the levy, assessment, and collection of all regional taxes, fees, and charges, as well as the administration of other regional revenue sources and tax expenditures within the BARMM. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)