DOF tightens anti-corruption drive on revenues

The Department of Finance (DOF) is stepping up its anti-corruption campaign to strengthen revenue administration and protect funds meant for national development.

The DOF said it is strengthening coordination between the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS)  and the Revenue Operations Group (ROG) as part of its zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

“This collaboration is necessary to build a stronger, more transparent revenue system, one where corruption cannot thrive,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said.

“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 push the initiative, the DOF recently welcomed the appointment of Rolando T. Ligon Jr. as undersecretary for the ROG and supervising undersecretary for the RIPS.

The appointment puts Ligon in charge of overseeing the coordinated operations of both offices as the department tightens oversight of revenue collection.

The RIPS serves as the DOF’s anti-corruption arm tasked to prevent, detect and investigate corrupt practices in revenue collection.

The office also conducts lifestyle checks and fact-finding investigations to determine whether officials and employees have acquired wealth beyond what their lawful income can justify.

Complementing that role, the ROG supervises revenue-generating agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs to help ensure effective revenue administration.

As part of the tighter coordination, the RIPS and the ROG are closely monitoring examiners’ compliance with the BIR’s updated guidelines on the issuance of Letters of Authority.

The DOF said the move is intended 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,” Go said.

The latest move underscores the DOF’s effort to tighten integrity measures in agencies central to tax collection and customs administration, where leakages and misconduct can directly affect government revenues and public spending.