Computer operator of BIR-Cebu City charged for violating anti-graft law

CEBU, Philippines - An employee of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Cebu City is facing charges before the court for allegedly violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-graft and corrupt practices act.

According to graft investigation and prosecution officer 1 Irish Inabangan Amores, she has found probable cause to hold Mae Cheryl Enguio, a computer operator of BIR-Cebu City, for trial for violation of section 3 (e) of  RA 3019.

"At any rate, it is clear that the government suffered undue injury in the amount of P671,457 or the deficient taxes due to respondent's actions," the resolution read.

Amores recommended a P30,000 bail for Enguio's temporary liberty.

The case stemmed from a complaint of BIR No. 13 and Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO) of the Office of the Ombudsman against the accused.

The complainants alleged that Enguio allegedly "facilitated and maneuvered" BIR records dated March 10, 2010 after she reportedly gave herself unwarranted benefits in the amount of P671,457 and "when she facilitated and maneuvered the paper trail and reported that the amount of P831,417 capital gains and documentary stamp taxes due to a sale of  parcel of  land was paid when only P159,960 was actually paid and deposited."

Intelligence officer III Rogelio Lusares of Special Investigation Division of BIR No 13 said that he was assigned to investigate the capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax case of  Philippine National Bank (PNB) as seller of a parcel of  land to spouses Rico and Myra Rentuza, which tax returns and payments were initially found forged by Revenue District No. 82, Cebu City-South.

Based on his investigation, Lusares said that he found out that the accused made it appear that the capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax, as reflected on the returns of the subject taxpayers, were paid in the bank in a higher amount as compared to the actual payment which was lower.

Finding sufficient evidence, Amores directed Enguio to submit her counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against her. Enguio failed to submit this though which prompted Amores to resolve the complaint based on the evidence at hand.

With the foregoing facts, Amores said the elements of the offense charged were present. —(FREEMAN)