The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has launched an investigation into Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, in parallel with an ongoing Senate inquiry, to probe potential tax evasion cases.
Key Points:
- BIR Investigation: Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has ordered full cooperation with the Senate probe and initiated an independent BIR investigation into individuals and entities named during the hearings.
- Focus on Wealth Discrepancies: The BIR will compare declared income with the value of properties amassed by Guo during the same taxable years. Discrepancies could lead to criminal tax evasion charges.
- Cooperation and Due Process: Lumagui emphasized that the BIR will follow due process and that charges could extend to conspirators and corporate officers involved in amassing questionable wealth.
Senate Involvement:
- Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros: Leading the investigation into a raided POGO hub linked to Guo, Hontiveros expressed readiness to cooperate with the BIR and highlighted the questionable nature of documents under Guo’s name, urging her to come clean.
- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian: Praised the BIR’s proactive steps, noting the income of Guo’s companies does not match her assets and investments, suggesting undeclared external sources.
Asset Discrepancies:
- Declared Assets: Guo’s June 30, 2022 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) showed assets worth P429 million, later amended to P286 million on July 1, 2022, due to the removal of three real estate properties and other assets.
- Reinstated Assets: Guo’s December 31, 2022 SALN showed the reinstatement of a P138 million deposit, club shares, and six real estate properties.
Call for Evidence:
- BIR Request: The BIR is soliciting documents and evidence from informants in both the private sector and government agencies to aid in the investigation.
Guo’s Response:
- Appeal Against Suspension: Guo has formally appealed her suspension, claiming that the complaints linking her to criminal activities associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in her town are baseless.
The BIR’s investigation, alongside the Senate inquiry, aims to ensure that all individuals and entities comply with tax laws and that any discrepancies are thoroughly examined and addressed.