SENATORS yesterday assailed Malacañang for reportedly threatening to unleash its tax collectors at business groups critical of President Arroyo.

"Malacañang apparently has a new program it wants the Bureau of Internal Revenue to implement. It is not called Run After Tax Evaders but Run After Political Reformers. Its aim is not to assess tax compliance but to audit obedience to the powers-that-be," said Sen. Francis Escudero.

Sen. Manuel Roxas III said the reported threat reminded him of Gestapo tactics. "It shows gross disrespect for the people's sacrifices in paying heavy taxes on goods and services such as the value-added tax."

A member of the Makati Business Club was reportedly warned by a Cabinet official that the BIR would run after them. The MBC on Tuesday called for the resignation of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Romulo Neri, acting chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, in connection with anomalies surrounding government's national broadband network project. But the MBC stopped short of asking President Arroyo to resign.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye and Trade Secretary Peter Favila said Malacañang would not resort to such tactics.

Favila said: "I don't think there's anybody who would threaten the businesses, especially me, the trade minister. That's my constituency, the business community.Palagay ko ito is a question of communications lines getting garbled."

He belied reports he was among those who sent text messages warning the MBC members.

Bunye said the government has an ongoing campaign against tax cheats and smugglers, and government would continue to implement it regardless of who would be affected.

Escudero said under the Arroyo administration, the tax audit has acquired an expanded definition, to include loyalty check.

"So when the taxman cometh, those who harbor political views different from those of Malacañang's will be forced to toe the line," he said.

He said the threats also carry this message: "Leniency will be shown to corporate taxpayers who will manifest support for Malacañang."

"In short, tax credits can be claimed for meekness, and silence can be a tax-deductible trait," Escudero said.

Roxas said, "The BIR was created to make sure that taxation becomes a tool for social and economic development, not as a Damocles' sword hovering over detractors of the administration."

Roxas, who once served as trade secretary of President Arroyo, said the administration is making it appear an ally can evade tax payment.

"Pero kung magsasalita ka laban sa administrasyon, humanda ka dahil pakakawalaan namin ang BIR para habulin kayo." - With Jocelyn Montemayor