BIR files ₱1.6-B tax evasion complaint vs 3 ex-DPWH engineers in Bulacan

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed on Thursday, Nov. 6, a P1.6 billion tax evasion complaint for alleged income tax deficiencies from 2020 to 2024 against three former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its Bulacan First Engineering District.

- By JEFFREY DAMICOG, JOSEPH PEDRAJAS, and DEXTER BARRO II

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. led the filing of cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara and former Bulacan assistant district engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.

In its complaint, the BIR accused the three respondents of tax evasion and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information in their income tax returns in violation of Sections 254 and 255, in relation to Sections 24(A)(1)(a), 51(A)(1)(a) and 74(A) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

"Ang total tax liabilities na nakita natin sa tatlong ito ay umaabot na mahigit P1.6 billion (We found tax liabilities amounting to over P1.6 billion)," said Lumagui after the filing of complaint.

He said the cases were filed after the BIR conducted lifestyle checks against the three former DPWH officials, including the investigation of their financial transactions, properties, business interests, and tax returns.

He also said that its investigation was also based on information gathered from the congressional hearings; Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of the three acquired from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); and pieces of evidence gathered with the help of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and licensed casinos.

He also said the BIR found that "yung kanilang mga ari-arian nakita natin na hindi tugma ito sa kanilang kinikita o 'yung mga reported revenues nila at mga binayarang buwis (the properties they own do not match with what they earn and their payment for taxes)."