The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and cybercrime authorities to look into a possible data leak and better protect taxpayer records.
In a Nov. 6 advisory, the BIR said it was aware of online reports claiming that data linked to the agency had been leaked. It did not confirm whether anyone had broken into its systems or what information may have been exposed.
“The BIR is coordinating with DICT, NCERT, CICC and PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to further investigate and strengthen security measures,” the agency said.
These groups include the National Computer Emergency Response Team, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group.
The BIR said it was treating the reports as a priority and would share updates once details were verified. It did not say how many taxpayers might be affected or which systems it was checking.
Other government agencies have also faced reports of possible data leaks. In a separate Nov. 6 statement, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said it was checking claims that appeared online Nov. 5.
As of Nov. 6, the NPC said the agencies concerned had not submitted related data breach notices. It did not name BIR. The commission said online claims alone do not prove that information was stolen or exposed.