Mikey Arroyo arraigned for tax evasion raps; court enters not guilty plea for solon

MANILA, Philippines —Ang Galing Partylist Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo was finally arraigned Wednesday on tax evasion charges before the Court of Tax Appeal in Quezon City.

But the eldest son of  former president Gloria Arroyo entered “no plea” to three counts of tax evasion, which stemmed from his alleged failure to declare appropriate income tax in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

First  Division Associate Justice Esperanza Fabon Victorino said a “not guilty” plea would be entered for the young Arroyo.

Lawyer Ruy Rondain, counsel of Arroyo, initially tried to stop the arraignment by filing a motion to quash the charges.

But Arroyo, set to leave for the US in June to have a vacation and visit the Filipino community, ruled out his lawyer’s request and advised him not to block the arraignment.

The arraignment of Arroyo was first set in February 29.

Arroyo, a nominee of the Ang Galing partylist group of tricycle drivers and security guards,  was charged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue  (BIR) with three counts of tax evasion charges. His wife, Angela, was charged with seven counts for failure to file ITRs from 2003 to2009.

The BIR has placed the Arroyos’ tax liability at P74 million. The couple posted a total P200,000 bail bond for their temporary liberty.