DOJ sues three industrial firms for alleged tax evasion

The Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, has sued three industrial corporations for tax evasion for allegedly employing dirty business tactics to “defraud the state” of its tax dues.

The DOJ said 20 criminal cases were filed before the tax court on January 24, 2025, against the three corporations and their officers for buying and/or using fictitious receipts from ghost companies.

There were 14 against Total Metal Corp., four against Equator Corporation, and two against Limhuaco Metal Industrial Corp., all for violations of the National Internal Revenue Code.

The DOJ said warrants of arrest against the corporations and their corporate officers are expected to be issued in the “soonest possible time.”

“The proper payment of taxes is the responsibility of every Filipino in order to ensure that government services are continuous, available, and efficient at all times,” Remulla said in a statement released Monday.

“Defrauding the government its due is similar to robbing off our citizens these essential services they deserve and ultimately need,” he added.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has set a P3.232-trillion tax collection target for the year, reflecting a 13% increase from the collection in 2024. — BM, GMA Integrated News