BIR files tax-evasion complaints vs. 2 Metro food firms

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday filed P61.70-million tax-evasion complaints against a Valenzuela-based food service equipment contractor and a Mandaluyong-based food establishment.

Based on a separate complaint, the BIR said there is a discrepancy in what was declared by Valenzuela-based Gomeco Metal Corp. and third-party sources worth P30.45 million in 2008.

The BIR, in its complaint, said  George L. Kaw, Evangeline L. Kaw and Jonathan T. Kaw, Gomeco president, treasurer and general manager, respectively, should be held liable for violating sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code for attempting to evade or defeat taxes and failing to file correct and accurate information in the corporation’s income tax return, failing to file value added tax returns and making it appear that it filed a tax return.

The BIR is seeking the payment of P32.37 million in deficiency taxes from Gomeco.

Gomeco’s customers include University of the East-Recto, SM Prime Holdings, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co., JGC Philippines Inc. and SMCC Philippines Inc.

In a separate complaint, the BIR filed a complaint against La Chilo Chinese Cuisine Inc. for failure to pay deficiency taxes in 2007.

Named in the complaint are its officers Generosa P. Ortega and Lalaine P. Ortega, the president and treasurer of the company.

The BIR already sent demand letters to La Chilo Chinese Cuisine to collect the deficiency taxes and issued and served warrants of garnishments to banks for collection. But only Metrobank Maysilo branch responded and garnished P30,966.95.

The BIR said, however, it is not enough to cover its tax obligation, which is P29.339 million, covering the year 2007.