Makabayan seeks House probe into BIR suspension of online seller seal

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently suspended its requirement for online sellers and content creators to display a Registration Seal Badge. The agency's decision on October 26 was prompted by concerns regarding data privacy, technical issues, and the policy's scope. BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza indicated the agency's commitment to improving policies to protect taxpayers and simplify compliance.

However, the Makabayan bloc argues that this suspension has not resolved the underlying problems but has instead introduced further uncertainty. The lawmakers claim that the abrupt transition from a fixed-deadline requirement to an indefinite suspension has particularly confused taxpayers who had already secured and displayed their badges. They emphasize that many online sellers are informal workers who struggle with frequently changing regulations.

Makabayan's House Resolution No. 1565 calls for a congressional inquiry, asserting that the suspension does not adequately address concerns about data protection, regulatory consistency, or the perceived lack of consultation with affected sectors. The bloc highlights the digital space's role in supporting livelihoods, advocating for stable and clear regulatory frameworks for those operating within it.