It is about time that the Philippines adopts a taxpayer's charter or bill of rights. We are currently taking steps in the right direction since several measures proposing to enumerate taxpayer's rights are pending approval. The filing of these bills was historic but we of course look forward to their passage and approval.

The foremost of the measures is the House Bill 4125 or the proposed Ease of Paying Taxes Act, approved by the House of Representatives last September and now pending with the Senate Ways and Means committee. One of its main objectives is '[t]o provide a healthy environment for the taxpaying public that protects and safeguards taxpayer rights and welfare, as well as assures the fair treatment of all taxpayers'. It seeks to introduce a provision on fundamental rights to the National Internal Revenue Code (Tax Code).