Teachers slam portrayal of doctors as tax cheats

MANILA, Philippines - The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) yesterday described as “unfair” the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)’s portrayal of doctors in its latest print advertisement.

TDC national chair Benjo Basas said BIR should not generalize the country’s doctors as tax cheats even if reports claim that some physicians do not pay the right tax and issue receipts to their patients.

“I believe it is unfair. An erring doctor is not a reflection of the medical profession in the same case as an erring teacher or an erring soldier. Bad members who comprise very little portion of the organization do not represent the institution,” Basas said.

He said being a doctor, like being a teacher, is one of the noblest and most selfless professions, adding that the BIR ad was more a reflection of the agency’s inefficient tax collection system.

“Once and for all, the system of taxation should be revised to collect more from the rich,” he said.

The TDC urged the tax agency to implement stricter campaign not only in paid ads, but also in penalizing tax evaders and crooks in government.

The ad showed a doctor riding on the shoulders of a teacher.

It carries a message: “When you don’t pay your taxes  right you’re a burden to those who do. Do your share. knowyourtaxes.ph.”