SC restrains BIR rule on doctors’ rates

Supreme Court of the Philippines. Photo by Mike Gonzales courtesy of Wiki Commons.

MANILA — Favoring doctors who have questioned the legality of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulation, the Supreme Court has issued a Temporary Restraining Order on BIR’s rule on doctor’s rate

In separate petitions, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has also challenged the constitutionality of the regulation.

Under BIR Revenue Regulation No. 4-2014, self-employed professionals are required to submit an affidavit of fixed service rates and fees, register their appointment books and issue receipts even for free services.

According to IBP, in issuing the regulation, the Department of Finance and BIR “transgressed their constitutional and statutory boundaries” and “encroached upon the exclusive authority and jurisdiction” of the high court to promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, legal practice, and the legal profession as a whole.”

PCP president Dr. Anthony Leachon said in a statement published by ABS-CBN News approves of the SC decision adding that medical doctors “have taken the high road towards developing a culture of change to help the government’s advocacy in paying the right taxes.”

“On behalf of the medical doctors, I must thank Commissioner Kim Henares in providing us the support to comply with our obligation and pave the way for a partnership that restores pride and nobility in the medical profession. We are humbled by the SC decision, finding the PCP position meritorious and justifiable,” Leachon added.

With reports from Ina Reformina