BIR files 13.8-M tax evasion charges against 2 contractors

Tax evasion charges involving P13.8 million were filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against the owners and corporate officers of two construction companies in “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan.

- By JEFFREY DAMICOG and CZARINA NICOLE ONG-KI

Named in the complaints filed by BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza before the Department of Justice (DOJ) were the owners and officers of SYMS Construction Trading and IM Construction Corporation.

They were charged with multiple violations of National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, particularly, for tax evasion under Section 254, and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information under Section 255, Mendoza said.

He said the case against SYMS and its proprietor Sally N. Santos covers the income tax returns that were filed in the first and second quarters of 2025.

“For Sally Nicholas Santos, she has a total tax liability of P6.4 million," he said.

Mendoza said this involves the construction of a supposedly reinforced river wall in Baliwag City in Bulacan. She received payment for the contract when there was no flood control project constructed.

The BIR chief explained that she filed tax returns and even declared deductions or construction costs.

However, since there is no construction, this means the deductions are fictitious or non-existent and this was done to avoid paying the right taxes, he said.