@pgmn_official: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has suspended the mandatory display of its QR-coded Registration Seal Badge following privacy and compliance concerns raised by former PGMN Anchor Antonette Aquino and other public figures. Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 113-2026, dated Oct. 26, BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza suspended the requirement until further notice, days before the Oct. 31 deadline. Taxpayers may display their badges voluntarily, with no penalties solely for non-display. The decision follows Aquino's Oct. 21 open letter to Mendoza, warning that the QR code could expose taxpayers' full legal names and identification numbers, increasing risks of identity theft, harassment and doxing. She also questioned compliance burdens on small businesses and content creators, proposing a safer verification system. In his reply, Mendoza acknowledged the concerns and confirmed coordination with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) on safeguards. He clarified that purely personal accounts were not covered. Actress Rica Peralejo also criticized the requirement, questioning additional proof of compliance despite paying taxes since age 13, amid allegations of government corruption. Entrepreneur Carlo Ople discussed the policy with tax expert Mon Abrea on his Oct. 22 podcast, examining compliance difficulties and the badge's consumer-protection purpose. Senator Pia Cayetano separately raised the privacy concerns with the NPC, while Senator Bam Aquino called for suspension and public consultations. "Hiling natin sa BIR: ipagpaliban muna ang Registration Seal Badge requirement. Pakinggan muna natin ang hinaing ng mga online sellers at content creators," Bam said. Following the Oct. 26 announcement, Antonette welcomed the development on Facebook. "The BIR has suspended the seal badge requirement!!" she wrote, thanking those who raised their voices. "Let's see if BIR fixes the privacy issue and makes compliance simpler and more affordable for small taxpayers," she added. The suspension covers mandatory badge display, not existing tax registration obligations. Written by Sab Corpuz Designed by Luke Gomez

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Monday 26 October 2026 06:47:20 GMT