Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. announced that a partnership between the BIR and Ateneo de Manila University – Math Department has resulted in the creation of a sophisticated algorithm that will identify Ghost Receipts with remarkable accuracy. The BIR has taken another step in its fight against Ghost Receipts and tax fraud by harnessing mathematics and data analytics.

“The BIR is grateful for the algorithm developed by talented students of the Ateneo de Manila University – Math Department. This algorithm empowers the BIR to identify Ghost Receipts through Mathematics and data analytics. The magnitude by which Ghost Receipts have become part of the Philippine economy is alarming, due to the lack of detection and enforcement for the past decades. That ends now,” Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The BIR, after the initial raid of a condominium unit where a Ghost Receipts syndicate located its operation, has consistently audited and filed criminal cases against those discovered to have sold and used Ghost Receipts. Through its partnership with Ateneo, the BIR does not need to conduct raids to continue its RAFT program.

The algorithm developed by the BIR and the Ateneo can detect the likelihood of Ghost Receipts. In its partnership with Ateneo, the Bureau commits to adhere to all laws and regulations that aim to protect the confidentiality and privacy of taxpayers and their data.

“The BIR has the capacity to identify Ghost Receipts. Buyers, Sellers, Corporate Officers, and Accountants that are behind this economic sabotage will be held liable,” Commissioner Lumagui stated.