SUPREME Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen has stressed the urgency of reforming the country’s tax system, saying it would be a major tool to combat corruption.
Leonen made the call in his keynote address at the induction ceremonies for the 2025 Board of Directors of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines last February 6 in Makati City.
He said there is a pressing need to implement such reform as corruption has evolved into more complex and often unrecognizable forms.
“As the landscape shifts, our approach to combating it must also adapt,” he said, adding that creativity, innovation, and collaboration are needed to effectively tackle the challenges that corruption presents today.
A survey conducted last year by the Management Associate of the Philippines showed corruption is what the country’s top business executives are most worried about.
In 2023, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui said the government is losing around P500 billion annually to tax evasion.
In the same speech, Leonen underscored the potential of technological innovation “to battle the many challenges in the country’s tax system, including corruption.”
He said technology would help enhance tax administration while ensuring greater transparency.
“Today we need to engage the broader networks, embrace new technologies and continually enhance our skills to stay ahead,” he added. “Technology has already started to transform various sectors, and it can play a crucial role in improving tax administration, boosting efficiency and enhancing transparency.”
Leonen highlighted how the High Court is using technology under its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) as part of its digital transformation, particularly the eCourt PH 2.0 program.
“Our aim is to enhance the judicial system by leveraging technology to improve access to justice for all Filipinos, regardless of their geographical location or social status,” he shared.
The eCourt PH 2.0 is designed, according to the magistrate, to establish a fully digital court system, reducing delays and enhancing transparency and efficiency in judicial processes.
He said it consists of six components — digital filing and service of all pleadings, motions, and other court documents; digital service of court orders in civil cases; installation of court management applications in all trial courts; digital filing and service before the SC and appellate courts in civil cases; digital appeals process in civil cases; and digital criminal and special proceedings.
