More news: March 5, 2024

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Tax evasion charges filed against company, officials

BY ASHZEL HACHERO

THE Department of Justice yesterday filed tax evasion cases against Buildforce Trading Inc., its corporate officers, and a certified public accountant for defrauding government of tax dues.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the cases were a product of the probe conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, which revealed that Buildforce Trading allegedly produced fictitious receipts and invoices.

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“We cannot simply 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,” Remulla said.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against the company and its corporate officers under its Run After Fake Transactions Program.

Following an evaluation on the affidavits and evidence submitted by the parties, the panel of prosecutors filed before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court one count each of attempt to evade or defeat tax, and willful failure to supply correct and accurate information in income tax return, and four counts of willful failure to supply correct and accurate information in quarterly VAT returns against the corporation and its two corporate officers.

The case against the company’s accountant was, however, dismissed by the panel.

Meanwhile, Remulla said, one count of making false entries, records or reports was filed before the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court against the public accountant.

Remulla said the prosecutors also recommended further investigation against the “ghost/fly-by-night corporations” and their buyer companies claiming false purchases and expenses using fictitious BIR sales invoice receipts for possible violations of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, and of the Revised Penal Code and other penal laws.

The DOJ has yet to provide a copy of the complaint or additional details such as the name of the corporate officers sued and the amount of tax due the government from the company.

Sandiganbayan junks graft case vs Davao City Water District
ex-GM on inordinate delay

BY Peter Tabingo

THE Sandiganbayan has thrown out a graft case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against former Davao City Water District general manager Wilfredo Carbonquillo on the grounds of inordinate delay.

The anti-graft court’s First Division granted the defendant’s Motion to Quash wherein he invoked his right to speedy disposition of cases under Article III, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution.

Carbonquillo said the Office of the Ombudsman took a total of eight years to complete its preliminary investigation since the original complaint-affidavit was filed on January 26, 2005.

Case records showed a graft charge was filed in 2008 but this was dismissed by the Sandiganbayan without prejudice to refiling since those who were indicted aside from Carbonquillo were the members of the Bids and Awards Committee-B who only had recommendatory authority.

Prosecutors charged the defendants with conspiracy to give preference to Hydrock Wells Inc. relative to the award of a P5 million drilling project in 1997 on a negotiated contract.

In its resolution, the Sandiganbayan pointed out that it was the DCWD Board of Directors who wielded the actual powers to approve a contract but none of its members were named in the information.

Seven years later, the case was refiled by the Ombudsman on June 5, 2015.

The Sandiganbayan First Division sustained the defendant’s argument that his rights were prejudiced by the lengthy delay.

“Carbonquillo’s motion is impressed with merit. The Ombudsman committed unreasonable, vexatious, capricious, oppressive, and inordinate delay in the conduct of the preliminary investigation, and as such violated Carbonquillo’s constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases,” the court declared.

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It pointed out that while the earlier case was dismissed, there was still a real possibility that Carbonquillo would be criminally prosecuted since the Ombudsman still had the option to refile the case.

“The objective of the right to speedy disposition of cases is to assure that an innocent person may be free from the anxiety and expense of litigation or if otherwise, to have his guilt determined within the shortest possible time compatible with the presentation and consideration of whatever legitimate defense he may raise,” the court noted.

National health fair set at QC Circle

THE Department of Health (DOH) is set to hold a national health fair at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on March 9 and 10, with free medical consultations and laboratory services for the first 600 onsite registrants.

The DOH said “Tara, KonsulTayo” will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is open to everybody.

The services include x-ray, CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis, random blood sugar test, breast and cervical cancer screening, HIV testing and counseling, and free medicine while supplies last.

Other features of the event are KonsulTayo education booths, PhilHealth registration booths, and the KonsulTayo concert. — Gerard Naval

Nigerian nabbed for falsification of documents

BY VICTOR REYES

OPERATIVES of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested a Nigerian for using a fictitious name and falsification of documents last Sunday.

QCPD investigators are preparing charges against Angel Chioma Okonkwo, 23, to be filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Investigation showed the suspect, using Republic of Ghana passports under the names of Ericka Mae Reyes and Dani Narcisa Reyes, claimed remittances from the United States amounting to P202,000 from different Cebuana Lhuillier branches in Quezon City last month.

“This raised concerns among the establishment’s management,” the QCPD said in a statement.

Last Sunday, Okonkwo went to the Cebuana Lhuillier branch at Robinsons Novaliches to claim a P110,430 remittance also from the US.

This time, Okonkwo used a Somali passport under the name of Dani Narcisa Hall.

“Unfortunately (for the suspect), personnel of the establishment noticed the suspect’s identity discrepancy, leading them to seek assistance from Pasong Putik Police Station 16,” the QCPD said.

Policemen responded and promptly arrested the suspect. The lawmen also seized the remitted money along with the remittance receipt and the fake passport.

“The suspect will be charged with using a fictitious name and falsifying a document before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office,” the QCPD said.

QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the QCPD “will not tolerate any form of fraudulent behavior within our jurisdiction.”

He commended the personnel of the QCPD-Station 16 “for their swift action,” that led to the arrest of Okonkwo.

“I urge also the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities promptly. Together, we can continue to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and order in our city,” said Maranan.

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