BIR starts probe of Pharmally’s tax liabilities

The head office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Quezon City. File photo from AFP

The taxman has started to investigate if Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., which had been awarded billions of pesos in deals for pandemic supplies, paid correct taxes.

In a text message on Monday night, Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar Dulay said the company was registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Asked about Sen. Franklin Drilon’s claims over the weekend that Pharmally may have had unpaid tax obligations with the BIR, Dulay said: “We have initiated the investigation on its tax compliance.”

Malacañang on Monday showed off samples of the controversial personal protective equipment that the government bought from the Chinese firm last year, which some opposition senators are claiming to be overpriced.

Pharmally was found to be undercapitalized but presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed contracts with such companies are allowed for negotiated emergency procurements under existing laws. INQ