The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has welcomed the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) One-Time Abatement Program for Micro Taxpayers, saying it gives small business owners an opportunity to settle old tax liabilities and resolve pending cases.
PCCI commended BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza and the agency for implementing the program, which aims to ease the burden on micro enterprises dealing with outstanding tax obligations.
BIR data as of October 24, 2026, show that 3,929 micro taxpayers have already benefited from the program, with a total of P266.79 million in taxes and penalties waived. The bureau has received 17,101 applications, of which 15,050 have been approved.
For many micro businesses, unresolved tax cases can add to the financial pressures of keeping their operations running. The program gives qualified taxpayers a chance to settle covered obligations and move forward without carrying these outstanding cases.
PCCI also expressed support for the BIR’s plan to extend the program to small taxpayers, particularly businesses with annual gross sales of P3 million to below P20 million. The expansion would give more enterprises the opportunity to clear old tax liabilities and reduce financial pressures that may have accumulated over several years.
The business group said it would help spread information about the program through its members, local chambers, and business networks to ensure that eligible businesses are aware of the application period and requirements.
PCCI also stressed the importance of helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) develop sustainable tax compliance practices. As businesses continue to recover and grow, access to clear guidance, taxpayer education, and responsive assistance from the BIR will be important in helping them meet their obligations.
The chamber also recognized the BIR’s continuing efforts to improve tax administration, including its use of Letters of Authority (LOAs) to ensure that tax audits are properly authorized and conducted in accordance with due process.
PCCI said it looks forward to continued cooperation with the BIR, particularly in strengthening taxpayer education and support for MSMEs. Making tax compliance simpler and more predictable, it added, would help smaller businesses meet their responsibilities while focusing on growing their operations.
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