Metro Manila, Philippines- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a criminal complaint for tax evasion against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, his wife, and an associate over alleged tax violations involving a private company.
In a statement, the BIR said the complaint was filed on April 27 before the Department of Justice against Roque, Mylah Reyes Roque, and Percival Sazon Ortega in connection with Biancham Holdings and Trading, Inc.
The bureau said its investigation found that the respondents failed to file required tax returns and pay taxes related to the transfer of shares of stock and an increase in authorized capital stock, with total deficiencies amounting to more than ₱3.35 million, including surcharges and interest.
The BIR said there was probable cause to charge the respondents with willful attempt to evade taxes under Section 254 and failure to file tax returns under Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
The bureau also filed separate tax evasion complaints against Terjonan Transport Company Inc. and its officers Rhodora Andrada Zamora and Maria Teresa Emflorgo Sarmiento for alleged failure to pay value-added tax for taxable year 2017 amounting to ₱9.178 million.
Another complaint was filed against Niefel Mae Heria Demonteverde for failure to pay delinquent tax liabilities for taxable year 2019 totaling ₱8.44 million, covering income tax, VAT, and other obligations.
Under the Tax Code, tax evasion carries penalties of a fine ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱10 million and imprisonment of six to 10 years. Failure to file tax returns may also result in fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years, aside from payment of tax liabilities.
Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the cases form part of the agency’s Run After Tax Evaders program, adding that the bureau will continue to pursue legal action against individuals and corporations who deliberately evade taxes or ignore lawful assessments.
NewsWatch Plus has reached out to Roque for a comment.
