BIR files tax evasion charges

BIR files tax evasion charges

By JUN RAMIREZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed Thursday tax evasion charges against two executives of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for alleged non-declaration of their fat bonuses and allowances.

In separate criminal complaints filed before the Department of Justice (DoJ), BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares identified the two accused as Esperanza Ocampo and Mario Ramirez, both members of the GSIS Board of Trustees.

The BIR also filed before the DoJ the same complaint against Danilo Cortez, cell phone traders from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan who reportedly owed the BIR more than P487 million.

Ocampo and Ramirez were among those investigated by a Senate committee looking into the excessive salary and other fringe benefits received by executives of government-owned and controlled corporations.

Records submitted by the GSIS to the BIR showed that Ocampo received P27.7 million for the years 2004 to 2010, but did not file any income tax return for the said earnings.

On the other hand, Ramirez got more than P18 million for the years 2008 and 2010 but did not also submit his ITR 2008 to 2010.

"Ocampo and Ramirez are Filipino citizens deriving income from the Philippines as such they are required to file ITR declaring their earnings and paying the corresponding taxes," Henares said.

But the GSIS said that Ocampo is no longer a member of the pension fund's board of trustees since the new administration took over last year.

Ramirez, Philippine Public School Teachers Association's representative to GSIS board, meanwhile, declined to comment on the tax evasion complaint filed against him. (with a report from Chino Leyco)