TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is reminding all local candidates in Kalinga to lead by example by fulfilling their tax obligations concerning their campaign spending, contributions and received donations.
“Di ba tayo ay future leaders? So, ipapakita po natin na tayo ay role model. Kailangan natin na mag-comply sa ating mga obligations,” Jodheza Yuro of the BIR-Kalinga said on April 3, 2025, during the Know Your Candidates Forum attended by local candidates at the Tabuk City hall.
Yuro emphasized that candidates are required to withhold tax for suppliers for their purchases of posters, and advertisement materials and remit the amount withheld to the BIR.
“Kailangan po nilang mag-withhold ng taxes on their purchases of goods and services related to their campaign. Yung binawas po natin sa binayaran natin kay supplier, hindi po natin pagmamay-ari yun so kailangan po natin yun i-remit kay BIR. For example, yung purchases natin sa March, ire-remit po natin on or before 10th day of the following month,” she said.
Candidates are also required to maintain records of their contributions, donations they received and all other expenditures, which are also necessary for their filing of Statements of Contributions and Expenditures to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
While BIR registration is not a prerequisite in the filing of candidacy, Yuro advised candidates without an existing Tax Identification Number (TIN) to take the opportunity to register with the BIR as they also need it for their future transactions.
She warned that failure to comply with tax rules will result in penalties.
“Pag hindi nag-comply yung mga candidates natin to withhold tax, may kalakip siyang penalties,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Comelec urged candidates to also comply with the established Comelec laws to ensure an orderly and peaceful electoral process.
“We should protect the integrity of the elections and promote a safe and respectful environment for all voters by observing election rules,” Comelec-Kalinga said in a statement during the event. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
