Wanted: Tax collector in Batanes

BASCO, Batanes, Philippines – Nobody is manning the office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in this province for more than a year now.

Adrian Condoya from the BIR regional office in Tuguegarao City, the lone BIR personnel assigned here in 2015, seldom opened his office, which he used as his living quarters, to serve taxpayers.

One can just imagine the frustration, especially of residents of the island-towns of Sabtang and Itbayat, who have to travel by boat to come here only to find Condoya’s office locked.  

Newly registered business establishments that need BIR approval to print their receipts are the most affected. 

Former governor Vicente Gato summoned Condoya to his office last year to seek an explanation, but the latter told him to just file a complaint. 

“Don’t scold me. Just file a complaint if you want me replaced,” Condoya was quoted as telling Gato.

 Condoya left the province in May, and told his friends that he was reassigned to the main island of Luzon.

He returned after two weeks, left again on June 6, returned in October, then left again after two weeks. He did not open his office during the times he was here.

Gov. Marilou Cayco said she relayed the concern of her province mates to the BIR regional office in July, and was told that they could not find a replacement yet.        

A check at the BIR regional office showed Condoya should have reported for work here starting Jan. 9. 

However, nobody has seen him anywhere. - Jack Castano