P6.1 Billion Tax Evasion Cases; 127 Criminal Lawsuits Lodged Against 214 Corporate Executives

By Benjamin Cuaresma
August 4, 2023

MANILA — Commissioner Romeo Lumagi Jr. of the Bureau of Internal Revenue has taken the lead in initiating legal action by submitting 127 criminal cases of tax evasion against 214 corporate executives, amounting to 6.1 billion in liabilities under the Bureau’s RATE program. This move was made on August 3, 2023, at the Department of Justice (DOJ) located along Padre Faura in Manila.

Lumagi reiterated a stern reminder to all corporations and corporate officers that disregarding notices or correspondences from the BIR will suffice for the bureau to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against them.

In instances where the tax investigation reveals deficiencies, taxpayers are strongly advised to proactively step forward to settle the evaluated amount within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the commencement of criminal charges.

This marks the Bureau’s second round of legal actions under the “Run After Tax Evaders” (RATE) program. Previously, in February 2023, a notable 74 criminal cases were filed, involving a substantial sum of P3.58 billion. (AI/MNM)