BIR to file charges against singer Dela Fuente

MANILA, Philippines - The government is set to file charges against singer and businesswoman Claire Dela Fuente for allegedly failing to remit to the Bureau of Internal Revenue P417 million in taxes from 1997 to 2004 owed by the bus company that she owns.

Dela Fuente, dubbed as the Karen Carpenter of the Philippines, is the treasurer of Philippine Corinthian Liner Corp., a bus company that runs King of Kings Transport. The company operates 237 buses in Metro Manila, mostly plying the Baclaran-Monumento route.

In a 22-page resolution, Senior Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Severino Gana Jr. recommended the filing of criminal charges against Dela Fuente following a complaint filed by the BIR.

The BIR, through its Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program, filed a tax evasion complaint against Dela Fuente, whose real name is Clarita de Guzman. The agency alleged that the singer-turned-bus company operator, failed to file income and percentage taxes and other corresponding taxes. Dela Fuente also did not register the bus company with the BIR from 1997 to 2004.

BIR Deputy Commissioner for Legal and Enforcement Gregorio Cabantac said the agency also saw discrepancies in the company’s statements of income submitted to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Dela Fuente declined to issue a statement yesterday. Her office said Dela Fuente has left the matter to her lawyer, Teresita Marbibi who was also not available for comment as of press time yesterday.   – Iris Gonzales