Kim S. Jacinto Henares Declines Chief Justice Nomination

Kim S. Jacinto Henares Declines Chief Justice Nomination

Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto Henares of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday, July 3, rejected her nomination to become Chief Justice (CJ), saying she has many things yet to do in the bureau which is now undergoing crucial reforms.

"I am honored by the faith and confidence reposed upon me by the people who nominated me to the CJ position, but I regret I could not accept the nomination," she said.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who had earlier accepted her nomination, is not exactly a shoo-in to become the country's next Chief Justice despite her perceived closeness to President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Henares said the reform being undertaken in the BIR is as significant as the judicial reform to be undertaken in the Supreme Court.

"In as much as revenues are needed by the government to sustain economic progress, it is important to sustain the reforms we are undertaking as these changes will prepare the BIR for the future," she said.

She disclosed that the BIR management is completing the evaluation of various core processes such as registration, filing and payment, auditing and collection.

Although the BIR has increased its tax efficiency, she declared much revenue is still needed.

"The BIR tax collection efforts provide the government with funds needed to spur economic development and fund social programs to ensure that the benefit of economic growth will trickle down to the less fortunate members of the society," she added.

Many BIR insiders said Henares is qualified to the CJ positions having finished her accountancy at the De La Salle University and Law at the Ateneo University with honors.

She has a master's degree in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University in Washington, USA. She also took up graduate studies from Canada's Mcgill University and University of New Brunswick.

Before joining the BIR, Henares work with the Board of Investments as one of its governors, vice president of ING Bank, deputy to the vice chairman of the Security Banking Corporation, and senior consultant of the World Bank.

She was also partners of various law firms, like the Sycip, Gorres Velayo, providing legal advice, mostly on taxation.

- Source