DZIQ: Arroyo son, wife willing to face tax probe, says lawyer

Radyo Inquirer interviews Ruy Alberto Rondain, lawyer of Representative Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo on the tax evasion case that was filed against him and wife, Angela.

MANILA, Philippines – Congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo and his wife are willing to face an investigation into the tax evasion charges that were filed against them provided this was justified, the lawyer of the lawmaker reiterated to Radyo Inquirer Friday.

Attorney Ruy Alberto Rondain said that Arroyo, son of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was not against the investigation itself but against the “lack of due process”.

Speaking in Filipino, Rondain said that his client was “disappointed” that a case was filed against them even before they could be audited.

The charges against the Arroyos stemmed from the couple’s alleged failure to file income tax returns from 2003 to 2009.
The BIR said the two had a total tax liability of at least P73.85 million, inclusive of surcharges and interest.
“I am not against the government filing cases against supposed tax evaders. What I am questioning here is the lack of due process being employed by the administration,” Arroyo said in a press statement issued Thursday.

Rondain said a letter from the Bureau of Internal Revenue that the Arroyos had received required them to submit documents to the BIR within 10 days from their acceptance of the notice.

Rondain said he and Arroyo were talking about complying with the requirements during their lunch Thursday when the news broke regarding Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s press conference in which she announced the filing of a tax evasion case against the congressman and his wife.

For full interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer, DZIQ 990 AM.

Danica Marie Hermogenes