Commission takes bold stance against graft

 THE Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) has taken a zero-tolerance policy against those who attempt to bribe its officers in their line of duty.

IRC Commissioner Betty Palaso laid down the law in a public advertisement in the daily newspapers yesterday.

“Internal Revenue Commission will take necessary criminal action against those members of the public and taxpayers who offer bribes or gifts of any kind to IRC officers to induce them to discharge their duties,” she said.

“A number of taxpayers have been referred to the police and were successfully prosecuted under Section 87 of the Criminal Code Act 1974 for official corruption as a result of their corrupt dealings with IRC staff

“All IRC officers are duly paid their salaries by the government as public servants to carry out their duties and are not entitled to receive any favours or appreciation.

“The same applies for any procurement processes, services between suppliers and the IRC and the recruitment process for potential Internal Revenue Commission staff.

“Internal Revenue Commission will continue to combat all forms of corruption between taxpayers and its staff to ensure that IRC collects the current amount of taxes due to the State, consistent with the tax laws for the benefit of the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Palaso said taxpayers, the general public and all Internal Revenue Commission staff should be reminded that the Public Service Management Act 1995, Public Service General Orders and the Internal Revenue Commission Code of Conduct forbade Internal Revenue Commission staff from soliciting, receiving or accepting rewards, fees, gratuities or gifts in connection with the discharge of their official duties.

“As such, the Internal Revenue Commission has a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and corrupt behaviour,” she said.

“The Internal Revenue Commission strives to maintain its integrity, decency and professionalism and has over the years disciplined staff under the Public Services Management Act 1995 for improperly soliciting or accepting fees, rewards, gratuities or gifts in connection with the discharge of their official duties and it will continue to do so.”