Senator Bam Aquino has raised concerns over the possible circulation of fake Letters of Authority (LOAs) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), suggesting that some may have even originated from within the agency itself.

Speaking during a recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, Aquino questioned the validity of LOAs received by taxpayers, noting that transparency is crucial for public trust.

“These fake LOAs might actually come from officials of BIR,” he said, emphasizing the need for a public system where people can verify whether a LOA is genuine.

Aquino also sought data on the number of LOAs issued in recent years. In response, BIR commissioner Charlito Mendoza reported that 64,462 LOAs were issued in 2023, 75,510 in 2024, and 82,145 from January to October 2025.

When asked whether LOAs are protected by privacy rules, Commissioner Mendoza explained that specific taxpayer information could not be disclosed due to the unlawful divulgence provision under the National Internal Revenue Code.

The senator stressed the importance of independent review and analysis, stating that if the agency is transparent, authorities can immediately see whether a LOA is real or not.

“That’s my intention, so people can check if a LOA is valid,” Aquino said, while further suggesting that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee conduct its own assessment of LOAs issued in the past several years.

Regarding the areas with the highest number of LOAs, the BIR identified the following revenue regions as top issuers:

• Manila

• Caloocan City

• Quezon City

• South NCR

• Makati City

Aquino noted that the concentration in Metro Manila likely reflects the higher number of businesses operating in the capital region.

The BIR also confirmed that a technical working group has been reviewing audit processes and preparing recommendations to strengthen transparency and prevent misuse of LOAs in the future.

Senators, including Sen. JV Ejercito, have previously flagged the BIR for allegedly “weaponizing” its LOA, asserting that it has become a tool of corruption within the agency, targeting businesses and their owners.