'Massacre King' Carlo J. Caparas faces multimillion-peso tax evasion raps

Controversial director Carlo J. Caparas, called "Massacre King" for his commercially successful blood-and-gore revenge flicks, is facing a multimillion peso tax evasion complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ). The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday lodged the complaint alleging that Caparas failed to file tax returns from 2006 to 2009. GMANews.TV tried to obtain the comment of Caparas but he could not be reached as of posting time. His wife, Donna Villa, on the other hand, declined to issue a comment. BIR investigation showed that Caparas received P850 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as payment for the direction and production of various television programs. However, Caparas allegedly did not declare the income and pay the corresponding taxes. The bureau then said Caparas should pay P540 million in unpaid taxes, surcharges, and penalties for the four taxable years. The BIR's investigation on the controversial director was triggered by the PCSO's cancellation of two television programs that were supposedly part of a new P1.2-billion contract between Caparas and the PCSO. National Artists controversy Caparas figured in a controversy last year when then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named him and three others as national artists even if they did not pass rigorous screenings. However, the Supreme Court blocked the conferment of the national artist titles on all seven awardees, including those whose nominations were not questioned. National artists are given medallions and citations. They also receive a lifetime emolument and material and physical benefits like cash award, a monthly pension, medical and hospitalization benefits. The awardees will likewise receive life insurance coverage, arrangement and expenses for a state funeral, a place of honor at national state functions, and recognition at cultural events. – VVP, GMANews.TV