BIR files P205-M tax evasion raps vs. 3 firms

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Friday filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) tax evasion complaints worth P205.1 million against three companies in Metro Manila.

Facing charges for violations of the Tax Code are Emerald Sales Center Corp., IRA General Security Services, Inc. and Owtel Philippines, Inc. and their respective corporate officers.

The BIR is running after P12.21 million in unpaid taxes from Emerald Sales, through its president Jose Reyes, for 2006.

Based in the posh La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City, Emerald Sales is an exporter/importer of light bulbs, fluorescent lamps, and wholesaler of lighting fixtures.

Quezon City-based IRA General Security Services, Inc., represented by its president Tranquilino Aglugub Jr., is accused of failing to settle P34.34 million in taxes for 2009.

Owtel president Daniel Lee and treasurer Rizalina Chan, meanwhile, were charged over the telecommunication firm's alleged tax liability of P158.55 million for 2008.

Owtel holds office in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

"The respondents’ obstinate 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. — MDM, GMA News