BIR charges 5 businessmen over tax evasion

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed tax evasion raps against five Manila-based businessmen over tax evasion.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said the five Manila-based businessmen charged before the Department of Justice were Cesar Vacunawa Lebite, Armada Bonnier Purdura and Ahmad Bulabon Sano, Core Manning & Cargo Handler Corp. (Core) President Roberto Masiglat; and Stardent Commercial Company (Stardent) and its responsible officers, partners Que He Huat and Constancio Simpas.

A total of P167.37 million tax evasion cases were filed against Lebite, Purdura and Sano for violating Section 255 of the Tax Code while Core and Stardent were accused of violating Section 255 in relation to Section 253(d) and 256 of the Tax Code.

Lebite is the sole proprietor of Blue Alcindor Enterprises and engaged in the sale of general merchandise in Binondo Manila. He was charged for non-payment of his deficiency tax liability for taxable year 2010 in a total of P54.38 million while Purdura involved in general merchandise retail under the name and business style of Jovick Trading in Sampaloc, Manila was sued for failure to pay deficiency tax liabilities for taxable year 2007 in the sum of P81.64 million.

On the other hand, supplier of various hotels and restaurants in Diliman Quezon City, Sano, a registered taxpayer of Manila was charged for deficiency tax liabilities for taxable year 2007 in a total of P6.03 million.

Henares also mentioned Core engaged in providing dock landing, stevedoring, checking, domestic vessel crewing and port terminal support services in Binondo, Manila was charged with its responsible officers for non-payment of deficiency income tax liability for taxable year 2010 in the aggregate value of P21.06 million.

Another company charged, Stardent, a domestic partnership selling and distributing dental, medical, hospital laboratory, surgical equipment, instruments, supplies and materials located in Sta. Cruz, Manila was sued for failing to pay deficiency tax liabilities for 2007 in the total of P4.26 million. Its responsible officers were also sued.