BIR files 74 complaints vs. delinquent taxpayers

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 2) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed 74 tax evasion complaints amounting to around ₱3.58 billion against several individuals and corporate taxpayers on Thursday.

BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. led the filing of the complaints under the Run After Tax Evader (RATE) Program before the Department of Justice.

"We would like to remind tax evaders that the BIR is serious in pursuing its enforcement activities on a national scale," Lumagui said.

Violations included willful failure to pay taxes, willful attempt to evade or defeat the payment of taxes due, and willful failure to pay/remit its income tax liabilities.

"This includes those who filed their tax returns without corresponding payment," the BIR said.

One of the complaints amounting to ₱96.6 million was filed by the Large Taxpayers Collection and Enforcement Division.

Complaints were also filed by several revenue regions, including those from Makati City, Caloocan City, the South National Capital Region, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Butuan.