ABS-CBN: We have no outstanding tax liabilities

Broadcast network ABS-CBN on Tuesday belied allegations that they have outstanding tax liabilities with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

"ABS-CBN has no outstanding tax liability with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). In fact, the BIR issued a Tax Clearance Certificate to ABS-CBN in 2019."

Read the full statement: pic.twitter.com/fgbHfpm2ff

— ABS-CBN PR (@ABSCBNpr) February 11, 2020

In a statement, the company said they have paid a total of P70.5 billion in taxes in the past 17 years, making them one of the biggest taxpayers in the country.

ABS-CBN added that the BIR issued a Tax Clearance Certificate to them in 2019 and also named them one of the Top 200 Non-Individual Taxpayers in the country.

“ABS-CBN takes pride in adhering to its corporate values of honesty and integrity in the conduct of its businesses. We have no unpaid obligations to any bank or financial institution,” they said.

The statement comes amid accusations circulating online that the company’s tax liabilities are among the reasons that the government has taken legal action to forfeit their legislative franchise.

On Monday, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN for its alleged “highly abusive practices” such as the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts to foreigners. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News