Senate to resume probe into alleged abuse, misuse of BIR LOAs —Lacson

The Senate blue ribbon committee is set to continue its investigation into the alleged money-making scheme in relation to the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOA) in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said.

Lacson, Blue Ribbon panel chairperson, said this developed after the BIR announced it would resume tax audits under new audit rules.

"The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee needs to be formally informed of the new reforms instituted by the BIR in relation to the issuance of LOAs and if safeguards are already in place to prevent or at least minimize abuse committed against our taxpayers, then we may have to conclude the committee hearings on the matter," he said in a press statement.

"We will schedule a hearing this week in this regard to hear what the BIR has to say,” he added.

Last week, the BIR said it would resume tax audits under a tighter framework. It also said the reforms would be implemented once the suspension of LOAs is lifted in the coming weeks.

It can be recalled the BIR ordered the immediate suspension of all field audits and related operations, including the issuance of LOAs and Mission Orders (MOs) in November 2025 amid complaints by some businessmen and taxpayers.

This prompted the Senate BRC to probe the alleged abuse and misuse of LOAs, formally opening its legislative inquiry into the alleged scheme in December 2025.

Malacañang also said it intends to launch an investigation into the alleged scheme within the BIR.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News