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BIR Freezes All Field Audits As Commissioner Mendoza Launches Major Cleanup
Photo credit: BIR
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has temporarily halted all field audits, Letters of Authority (LOAs), Mission Orders, and related operations, in what officials describe as a major step toward restoring discipline, fairness, and public trust in the agency.
The announcement was made at the Department of Finance by Finance Secretary Frederick Go and newly appointed BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza. The halt takes effect immediately and covers all BIR offices involved in audit operations—from Large Taxpayers Service down to regional and district offices.
Commissioner Mendoza said the decision follows a rapid internal assessment during his first week in office, during which he met with key BIR units to evaluate existing audit processes and long-standing problems affecting taxpayers.
He confirmed that the suspension is anchored on Revenue Memorandum Circular 107-2025 and that no LOA or Mission Order may be “created, printed, signed, or served” while the freeze is in place.
The move, he added, is a direct response to persistent complaints from taxpayers regarding alleged harassment and misuse of audit authority. Finance Secretary Go echoed this, emphasizing that the government is acting swiftly to address these concerns.
“This is in response to the concerns raised by the taxpayers regarding the issuance of Letters of Authority and Mission Orders. We hear the people, we hear your concerns, and are immediately acting on them. The people deserve better,” Secretary Go said.
While the suspension is broad, it does not include urgent or legally mandated cases such as ongoing criminal investigations, one-time transactions, refund claims requiring audit, audits nearing prescription, and cases triggered by validated intelligence reports.
To ensure long-term reforms, Commissioner Mendoza has directed the creation of a Technical Working Group on LOA and Mission Order Integrity and Audit Reforms. The group will review existing procedures, identify systemic weaknesses, and develop new standards that are uniform, tech-driven, and evidence-based.
He also stressed that reforms aim to protect taxpayers while enabling the BIR to meet its revenue goals, in line with the President’s directive for a fair and efficient revenue system.
Mendoza said the suspension is necessary to restore professionalism and integrity in audit operations and to assure taxpayers that they will be treated with fairness and respect throughout the process.
The announcement was made at the Department of Finance by Finance Secretary Frederick Go and newly appointed BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza. The halt takes effect immediately and covers all BIR offices involved in audit operations—from Large Taxpayers Service down to regional and district offices.
Commissioner Mendoza said the decision follows a rapid internal assessment during his first week in office, during which he met with key BIR units to evaluate existing audit processes and long-standing problems affecting taxpayers.
He confirmed that the suspension is anchored on Revenue Memorandum Circular 107-2025 and that no LOA or Mission Order may be “created, printed, signed, or served” while the freeze is in place.
The move, he added, is a direct response to persistent complaints from taxpayers regarding alleged harassment and misuse of audit authority. Finance Secretary Go echoed this, emphasizing that the government is acting swiftly to address these concerns.
“This is in response to the concerns raised by the taxpayers regarding the issuance of Letters of Authority and Mission Orders. We hear the people, we hear your concerns, and are immediately acting on them. The people deserve better,” Secretary Go said.
While the suspension is broad, it does not include urgent or legally mandated cases such as ongoing criminal investigations, one-time transactions, refund claims requiring audit, audits nearing prescription, and cases triggered by validated intelligence reports.
To ensure long-term reforms, Commissioner Mendoza has directed the creation of a Technical Working Group on LOA and Mission Order Integrity and Audit Reforms. The group will review existing procedures, identify systemic weaknesses, and develop new standards that are uniform, tech-driven, and evidence-based.
He also stressed that reforms aim to protect taxpayers while enabling the BIR to meet its revenue goals, in line with the President’s directive for a fair and efficient revenue system.
Mendoza said the suspension is necessary to restore professionalism and integrity in audit operations and to assure taxpayers that they will be treated with fairness and respect throughout the process.
Nov 24, 2025
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