DOJ sues firm for tax evasion

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed criminal charges against a company for evading tax payment by using fake receipts.

In a statement yesterday, the DOJ said it has filed multiple complaints against Buildforce Trading Inc., its corporate officers and public accountant after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found that the firm produced fictitious receipts and invoices.

“We cannot tolerate tax evaders. The filing of cases is a welcome development in our fight against tax evasion. More cases are expected to be filed in the coming days,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters.

The cases stemmed from a complaint lodged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) based on the results of the NBI probe, Remulla said.

State prosecutors filed against Buildforce one count each of attempt to evade or defeat tax and willful failure to supply accurate information in Income Tax Return before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

Four counts of willful failure to supply correct and accurate information in quarterly VAT Returns were also filed against the firm and its two corporate officers.

The DOJ said the complaint for attempt to evade and defeat tax, which was filed against the accountant before the Metropolitan Trial Court was dismissed.