The Department of Finance (DOF) is intensifying its anti-corruption efforts to strengthen revenue administration and ensure that funds vital to national development are fully protected and efficiently collected.
To achieve this, the DOF is strengthening coordination between the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) and the Revenue Operations Group (ROG), underscoring the DOF’s strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
“This collaboration is necessary to build a stronger, more transparent revenue system––one where corruption cannot thrive,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said in a recent news release.
“Hindi natin hahayaang masayang ang bawat pisong pinaghirapan ng ating mga mamamayan. Kaya sisiguraduhin naming mas mabisa ang monitoring, mas mabilis ang pamamahagi ng impormasyon, at mas maayos ang pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran,” he added.
To drive this initiative forward, the DOF recently welcomed the appointment of Rolando T. Ligon Jr. as Undersecretary for the ROG and Supervising Undersecretary for the RIPS to oversee the coordinated operations of both offices.
The RIPS is the DOF’s anti-corruption arm mandated to prevent, detect, and investigate corrupt practices in revenue collection. The office conducts lifestyle checks and fact-finding investigations to ensure officials and employees do not acquire wealth beyond what their lawful income can justify.
Complementing the RIPS’ functions, the ROG oversees and supervises the operations of revenue-generating agencies, such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), ensuring effective revenue administration.
As part of this strengthened collaboration, the RIPS and the ROG are closely monitoring examiners’ compliance with the BIR’s updated guidelines on the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOA) to improve transparency in the audit process and reduce opportunities for abuse, corruption, and revenue loss.
“Through vigilant monitoring, lifestyle checks, and coordinated action, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are collected lawfully, efficiently, and with integrity for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Secretary Go said.