MANILA, Nov. 26 -- Malacanang on Wednesday said allegations that Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officials pocket up to 70 percent of collections from Letters of Authority (LOAs) must be investigated, stressing that any form of corruption warrants government action.

The statement came after Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito disclosed receiving reports that some BIR revenue officers and regional directors are allegedly operating a money-making scheme using LOAs, official documents authorizing tax audits of businesses and taxpayers.

Asked for Malacanang's response, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Executive expects authorities to act immediately.

"Dapat imbestigaha...