Title I — ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION OF THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE encountered in furnishing the information or when the bank or financial institution refuses to furnish the information, he shall immediately inform the requesting tax authority of the same, explaining the nature of the obstacles encountered or the reasons for refusal. The term ‘foreign tax authority’, as used herein, shall refer to the tax authority or tax administration of the requesting State under the tax treaty or convention to which the Philippines is a signatory or a party of. (G) Authority to Accredit and Register Tax Agents. — The Commissioner shall accredit and register, based on their professional competence, integrity, and moral fitness, individuals and general professional partnerships and their representatives who prepare and file tax returns, statements, reports, protests, and other papers with, or who appear before, the Bureau for taxpayers. Within one hundred twenty (120) days from January 1, 1998, the Commissioner shall create national and regional accreditation boards, the members of which shall serve for three (3) years, and shall designate from among the senior officials of the Bureau, one (1) chairman and two (2) members for each board, subject to such rules and regulations as the Secretary of Finance shall promulgate, upon the recommendation of the Commissioner. Individuals and general professional partnerships and their representatives who are denied accreditation by the Commissioner and/ or the national and regional accreditation boards may appeal such denial to the Secretary of Finance, who shall rule on the appeal within sixty (60) days from receipt of such appeal. Failure of the Secretary of Finance to rule on the appeal within the prescribed period shall be deemed as approval of the application for accreditation of the appellant. (H) Authority of the Commissioner to Prescribe Additional Procedural or Documentary Requirements. — The Commissioner may prescribe the manner of compliance with any documentary or procedural requirement in connection with the submission or preparation of financial statements accompanying the tax returns. SEC. 7.  Authority of the Commissioner to Delegate Power. — The Commissioner may delegate the powers vested in him under the pertinent provisions of this Code to any or such subordinate officials with the rank equivalent to a division chief or higher, subject to such limitations and restrictions as may be imposed under rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner: Provided, however, That the following powers of the Commissioner shall not be delegated: National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (as amended by the TRAIN Law, RAs 11256, 11346 and 11467) 7