URDANETA, Pangasinan – President Benigno Aquino III dared Ang Galing Pinoy Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo to show proof that he filed his income tax returns during the years that the Bureau of Internal Revenues alleged he failed to honor his tax obligations.
Mr. Aquino wouldn’t address other issues raised by Arroyo, such as his claim that the tax case was filed in light of the President’s falling satisfaction ratings and criticism over the President’s Porsche sportscar and Lexus SUV.
“There is only one issue. The only issue is he earned income that can be clearly seen in the SAL [Statement of Assets and Liabilities] that has been increasing. If you earn income, you have an obligation to pay taxes,” President Aquino told reporters during a visit to Pangasinan on Friday.
“The accusation is you didn’t even file [tax returns]. Paying insufficient taxes is one thing but here, it is shown that he didn’t file income tax returns. Let me just stress, before anything more is said, ‘If you paid your taxes, show your income tax return’,” he added. “Tapos ang isyu [Issue is over].”