MANILA, Nov. 24 -- Sen. Erwin Tulfo filed a resolution urging the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate the alleged misuse and "weaponization" of Letters of Authority (LOAs) issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), amid reports that some personnel have turned the audit tool into a source of harassment and extortion.

Under proposed Senate Resolution No. 180, Tulfo cited mounting complaints from businesses, both foreign and local, describing patterns of excessive, improper and irregular LOA issuances.

"LOAs have allegedly been 'weaponized' by certain BIR personnel, transforming what should be a lawful audit instrument into a tool for harassment, bribery, and extortion," Tulfo said.

He raised concerns flagged in the resolutio...