MANILA, Philippines - Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) chief Kim Henares and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Lito Alvarez have vowed to run after tax cheats and smugglers as part of their marching orders from President Benigno Aquino III.

But in an interview on Talkback with Tina Palma on Monday, the heads of the two agencies admitted it will take time before major changes are felt in terms of curbing corruption and shoring up government finances.

"I have to admit that it will take a little while but we do not expect dramatic changes to take place," Alvarez said. "But the most important thing is the signal we'll be giving."

Among the changes Alvarez alluded to are strengthening BOC's monitor group and tapping experts from various business sectors to curb smuggling.

To monitor underperforming regional offices, Alvarez said automating the collecting processes in the BOC will be crucial in determining and tracking the volume of importation and duties being paid to BOC.

"If there is a situation wherein we will be seeing the duties and taxes on an average basis is (declining) that's a very bad sign," Alvarez said. "But if we will be seeing dramatic improvements in the duties and taxes that are being collected --- which is what i am seeing right now --- I think that is a very, very positive development."

Meanwhile, Henares said the BIR is working on simplifying the tax collection processes to encourage taxpayers to remit properly. She said this is "one of her biggest challenges" in the bureau.

Henares said the BIR will also be specific in setting goals in auditing clients.

"We're talking about setting the right goals for everyone and giving them specific KPIs or key performance indicators," Henares said.

Henares also realigned monthly goals to reflect historical and realistic performances so that BIR employees will not be complacent in collecting taxes and reaching targets.

Aside from improving systems and implementing reforms, Alvarez said the BOC is coordinating with the BIR to conduct lifestyle checks to identify and weed out employees "on the take" or involved in corrupt practices.

"We have some ideas with regards to these people," Alvarez disclosed. "But what we are doing right now is that if there will be promotions (and) changes in the organization, we would like to ensure that part of the process is a lifestyle check."

Alvarez and Henares said they welcome reports from the public and gave assurance they will attend to all reports from citizens about erring employees.

"You may know (these employees) are corrupt but they have security of tenure (and) you have to be able to have evidence to be able to kick them out or to file criminal case," Henares said. "That's the difficult part."