DOJ approves filing of tax evasion case vs Napoles daughter

Jeane Napoles. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of tax evasion case against Jeane Catherine Napoles, youngest daughter of alleged pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim Napoles.

Based on the DOJ resolution, the young Napoles is liable to pay P17.887 million basic tax deficiencies broken down as follows:

•         P17,461 million for the residential condominium in California for taxable year 2011 and

•         P426,866.67 as co-owner of two Pangasinan farm lots for taxable year 2012

Based on the BIR’s complaint, Napoles’ liability was P32 million inclusive of penalties and surcharges. The DOJ’s resolution, however, only indicated Napoles’ basic tax deficiency.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edna Valenzuela explained that P17 million is the basic tax deficiency only. The younger Napoles, she said, is still liable to pay P32 million which covers surcharges and penalty.

The DOJ, in a resolution by Valenzuela which was approved by Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, said that the younger Napoles violated Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code for attempting to evade or defeat tax and for failure to file return, supply correct and accurate information, pay tax, withhold and remit tax and refund excess taxes withheld on compensation.

“As gathered from the evidence submitted, respondent Jeane Catherine Napoles was able to acquire properties of expensive value directly under her name; but she kept mum about it and did not report any income despite her being able to buy and fully pay the said properties as borne out by the documents,” the DOJ resolution stated.

“A presumption arises that when money was spent for property acquisition, money was earned or income was realized prior thereto unless proven otherwise.”

The DOJ said there were properties bought and paid and subsequently registered under Jeane Catherine Napoles.

“Yet no income tax return was ever filed by her for two consecutive years. Thus a presumption of unreported income arises,” the DOJ said.

RELATED STORIES

Napoles daughter files counter-affidavit on tax case from London

BIR files tax evasion case against Napoles daughter