At the sidelines of a recent media conference hosted by the Asian Consulting Group (ACG), members of the media had the chance to have a conversation with Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian touching on crucial aspects of fiscal policies and government strategies, several issues were brought to light.
For me, I raised the issue of digitalization in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Digitalizing the BIR can offer several benefits, contributing to more efficient and effective tax administration. According to the gentleman from Valenzuela City, cultural resistance to change within government structures and the need for a paradigm shift are the root causes of why digitalization in the BIR is still far from reality.
“It’s culture to the government by itself, including the very resistant to change. They used to do things over and over again and their perspective is always what’s good for the government and that’s it. It doesn’t mean it should be what’s good for the taxpayer. The Congress must make the Commissioner accountable,” Sen. Gatchalian said adding that for the government to enhance efficiency and transparency, it must overcome historical resistance to change.
Transparency, especially regarding the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, was emphasized by the senator as crucial for building public trust. I raised a valid concern on why it is so hard even for journalists to get the necessary data and information from the government of this country, despite having an FOI law in place. Sen. Gatchalian expressed his support for transparency while acknowledging the need for safeguards, particularly concerning personal information. He said, there was a consideration for potential amendments to the FOI law to enhance data provision and public access, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between transparency and privacy.
Digitalization of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is a strategic move to modernize tax administration, making it more responsive, efficient, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of taxpayers and the government. Transparency in government is considered crucial for several reasons, as it serves to promote accountability, foster public trust, and ensure the proper functioning of a democratic society.
The synergy between digitalization and transparency in government functions as a powerful catalyst for the welfare of citizens and the overall progress of a nation. Digitalization, marked by the adoption of advanced technologies and digital tools, streamlines government processes, enhances efficiency, and ensures swift service delivery. Concurrently, transparency in governance fosters trust by providing citizens with open access to information, decision-making processes, and public expenditures. The marriage of these two forces creates a harmonious environment where citizens can actively participate in governance, hold authorities accountable, and contribute to the formulation of policies. Real-time data sharing, eGovernance platforms, and digital communication channels empower citizens to engage with their government effortlessly. As a result, the collaboration between digitalization and transparency not only promotes good governance but also serves as a cornerstone for the socioeconomic development of a nation, ultimately benefiting its citizens and fostering a stronger, more accountable government.