MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has escalated legal pressure on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, filing a criminal complaint for tax evasion involving a family-owned holding company. On Monday, April 27, 2026, BIR officials submitted the complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ), targeting Roque, his wife Mylah Reyes Roque, and business associate Percival Sazon Ortega.
The charges involve estimated tax deficiencies totaling P3.35 million, inclusive of surcharges and interest.
According to the BIR investigation, the alleged violations are tied to Biancham Holdings and Trading, Inc., a corporation previously owned by the Roques. The bureau cited two specific failures under the National Internal Revenue Code:
- Failure to File and Pay: The group allegedly failed to file required tax returns and pay corresponding taxes related to the transfer of shares of stock.
- Capital Stock Increase: The BIR also flagged unpaid taxes due on the increase of the company’s authorized capital stock.
Based on these findings, the BIR found probable cause to charge the trio with “willful attempt to evade taxes” (Section 254) and “failure to file tax returns” (Section 255).
In a statement issued on Monday evening, Harry Roque dismissed the charges as “legally and factually baseless.”
- The Defense: Roque argued that no shares were actually issued following any alleged increase in capital stock and maintained that all tax returns had been “properly and diligently filed.”
- The Context: He tagged the timing of the complaint as “politically motivated,” coming amidst several other legal battles he is currently facing.
The tax case adds to a growing list of legal challenges for the former official:
- POGO Hub Connection: In late 2024, congressional hearings linked Biancham Holdings to Lucky South 99, a raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. Documents with Roque’s signature were allegedly discovered at the site during police operations.
- Arrest Warrant: Roque has been considered a fugitive since May 2025, when the Angeles City Regional Trial Court issued a warrant for his arrest on human trafficking charges related to the Lucky South 99 operations.
- International Status: Roque left the Philippines in September 2024. While he reportedly sought asylum in the Netherlands, his application was recently denied by Dutch authorities, according to government reports.
The DOJ is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring the tax evasion case to court.