Noy to INC: No reason to replace BIR chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino clarified yesterday there was no issue between him and the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which was reportedly asking for the head of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares.

“There is no pressure from the INC for Commissioner Henares. I understand from (Finance Secretary) Cesar Purisima that the BIR has new record collection and I understand from other sectors that the difference with the target is very small,” Aquino told reporters in an ambush interview in Parañaque City.

“Don’t forget that the targets are placed really, really high and the difference from the target is very minimal, which to my mind says: mahusay iyong ginagawa nung tao, bakit mo papalitan (She’s doing well, why replace her?) That seems illogical,” he said.

On Friday night, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said there was no discussion on any changes in the Cabinet, specifically in the BIR.

“There’s no plan for reshuffling anybody at this point, except the one being undertaken by Customs… transferring assignments within the DOF (Department of Finance),” Aquino said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and Communications has submitted to Malacañang a possible replacement for Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Virginia Torres, who is scheduled to retire at the end of this month.

Sources said possible replacement includes LTO executive director Aljur Tan and former Maritime Industry Authority acting administrator Nicasio Conti.

– With Lawrence Agcaoili