BDO tops initial list of corporate taxpayers for 2019 — DOF

Sy-led lender BDO Unibank Inc. currently tops the list of corporate taxpayers for the 2019 income tax returns, nearly a month ahead of the thrice extended deadline.

Based on data released by the Department of Finance (DOF), BDO was the top corporate taxpayer as of May 19, 2020, followed by Robinsons Land Corp., Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI), Unilab Inc.

Rounding up the top 10 are Mercury Drug Corp., Maynilad Water Services Inc., Metrobank Card Corp., Globe Telecom Inc., and the Philippine Ports Authority.

Other top taxpayers include Innove Communications Inc., Manila International Airport Authority, Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp., Taganito Mining Corp., and Security Bank Corp.

"We hope that the commendable act of these taxpayers would inspire other taxpayers to do the same and contribute to our nation-building as we work together to get the economy back on its feet in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic," Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement.

The deadline for filing of ITRs has been extended thrice in April and May, following the extension of the lockdowns due to the coronavirus disease.

Metro Manila, along with several "high-risk areas," has been on lockdown since March 17. A modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) has been placed from May 15 to last until May 31, paving the way for more businesses to reopen. — RSJ, GMA News