BIR files P55-M tax raps vs. retail firm, restaurant operator

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed tax evasion complaints before the Department of Justice against a retail company and a restaurant operator for not remitting taxes totaling P55.21 million.

In the first complaint, the BIR accused Rising Giant Commercial Corporation and its president, Francisco Chiang, of violating Section 255 in relation to Sections 253 (d) and 256 of the Tax Code for not paying P7.05 million in taxes in 2006.

The Cainta, Rizal-based Rising Giant is a retailer of food, beverages and tobacco. 

Facing the same charges are RMCN Seafood & Steak Inc. and its president, Raymund Magdaluyo, with a tax liability of P48.16 million – also in 2006.

The Quezon City-based firm operates restaurants, coffee shops, refreshment parlors and cocktail lounges. It is also in the business of food catering, processing and distribution.

BIR records showed the respondents did not challenge their respective notices of tax liabilities, "hence making the assessments final, executory and demandable."

"The respondents' failure ... and continued refusal to pay their long-overdue deficiency taxes, despite repeated demands, constitute willful failure to pay the taxes due to the government," the BIR said.

The complaints were filed on April 21. — Virgil Lopez/VDS, GMA News