The uplifting ‘38-ers’ of BIR

Here’s something uplifting about the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), for a change.

Now and then, I’d hear stories about BIR employees that would make people dread going there to fulfill their tax-related obligations. Some people’s unfavorable talk about the BIR remind me of a scene from my favorite Disney movie, “The Lion King”—the one where Simba and Nala the cubs found themselves in the lair of the predatory hyenas. Mufasa, Simba’s dad, arrived in the nick of time, preventing Simba and Nala from turning into hyena food.

But I have to commend the men and women over at BIR’s Regional District Office No. 38 along West Avenue. In my few visits there ever since being transferred last year from RDO 39 along Quezon Avenue, my dealings with them—the “38-ers”—have been consistently pleasant. They are decent, polite, warm, attentive, efficient, and they actually smile and even engage some people in short conversations (without causing any unnecessary delay). I did not feel threatened or put down. Never did I receive a sarcastic or unfriendly remark from any of the staff I’ve dealt with on occasions I’d asked for help regarding the computation of my income tax.

My most recent experience of this kind was in the afternoon of April 15, the annual tax filing deadline. So may I also take this letter (of commendation) as an opportunity to give a shout-out to one of the two gentlemen designated as the officers of the day (the guy on the left, when you face them from across the table). Unfortunately, I did not get his name, which I would have otherwise mentioned here in his piece (but I’m sure they have it on record at their office).

I hope that the qualities I’ve experienced/observed from the 38-ers are consistent among BIR employees at other RDOs across the country. As it is, we taxpayers have to go through what I feel is a still complicated, confusing and time-consuming tax payment system (which I hope the BIR would simplify soon). So we do welcome that kind of efficient, friendly and warm service from the BIR.

Keep it up, 38-ers! Thank you and God bless you all. “High fav”!

—CLAUDE LUCAS C. DESPABILADERAS, [email protected]