Palace urged to reproach BIR chief for 'demonizing' Pacquiao

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) chief Kim Henares should be reprimanded for "demonizing" boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said Wednesday.

In a statement, Cayetano said the BIR should not be "overacting" and "kulang sa pansin" in running after Pacquiao for his supposed tax deficiencies.

"Hindi naman po yata tamang i-demonize natin si Manny na walang ginawa kung hindi maghatid ng karangalan at kasiyahan sa ating bansa at sa lahat ng Pilipino sa buong mundo," the senator said.

Henares should just "remind Manny privately of his obligations" to the BIR, he added.

"Collect taxes. Do your job. But do it with respect and with dignity. That is the Filipino way. Even in collecting taxes," Cayetano noted in his statement, referring to the the BIR chief. 

The senator, who is allied to the administration, also said Malacañang "should not be so quick in defending its appointees" like Henares.

Last Sunday, Pacquiao won by unanimous decision the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title in a rematch with American boxer Timothy Bradley.

Shortly after Pacquiao's win, Henares reminded the Filipino boxer of his supposed tax deficiencies. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this was not meant to spoil Pacquiao's victory. 

Last year, the BIR issued a warrant of garnishment that enabled the government to claim Pacquiao's assets to cover his tax liabilities – estimated at P2.2 billion, including penalties and surcharges.

Pacquiao had asked the Court of Tax Appeals to review the tax deficiencies being claimed by the BIR, but no decision has yet been issued on the matter. – Andreo Calonzo/VS, GMA News