MANILA, Nov. 26 -- Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) halt on issuing Letters of Authority (LOAs) is necessary to protect businesses from harassment and respond to corruption concerns within the agency.

In a statement, Gatchalian said the suspension allows the BIR to review its procedures and conduct an internal investigation amid complaints of intimidation during audits.

"The BIR should have zero tolerance for corruption and must ensure the highest standards of integrity in tax administration," Gatchalian said.

"Sa panahong nasusubok ang integridad ng pamahalaan, nananawagan tayo sa mga taong gobyerno na maging tapat at tunay sa kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin sa taongbayan (At a time when t...