Mikey cries political harassment over tax raps

Harassment. That's what former presidential son Mikey Arroyo said when he learned that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) just charged him for tax evasion. That 74 million peso tax evasion charge, he said, is plain and simple harassment. 


I ask Mikey Arroyo--is asking you to pay the appropriate tax charges harassment? I mean, is'nt one of your responsibilities as a Philippine citizen to pay your taxes?


For nine long years, you have amassed wealth even without a legitimate business of your own. Before you became a politician, you had nothing. Nada. Zilch. Yes, you acted like a actor, but never became a star, just a starlet. Then, you ran for a political post and won. That started your never-ending thirst for wealth.


The Philippine Star story says:



In its complaint, the BIR accused the couple of wrongful declaration of taxable income and non-filing of income tax returns (ITR), which are punishable under section 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code.


It was learned that the lawmaker only paid BIR P2.4 million, P1.7 million and P376,000 in taxes for the years 2004, 2006 and 2007, respectively, when he and his wife bought several properties worth millions from 2004 to 2009 – including residential houses in the US, in Lubao, Pampanga and in La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City.


The BIR patterned its investigation on the Arroyo couple’s case to the method used by US authorities against gangster Al Capone and found out “substantial underdeclaration of income by over 30 percent” in those three years.


“Under the Tax Code (NIRC), underdeclaration of taxable income of more than 30 percent is considered a prima facie evidence of fraudulent return,” Henares said.


Arroyo also supposedly did not file ITR in the taxable years 2005, 2008 and 2009, while his wife also did not file any ITR from 2003 to 2009.


“The act of non-filing of their ITRs is evident of their fraudulent scheme to defeat payment of taxes,” the BIR chief said.


If found guilty, the couple could face imprisonment of up to four years and fine of at least P30,000 for each count of underdeclaration of taxes and imprisonment of up to 10 years and P10,000 fine for each count of non-filing of ITR.


Imagine that, majority of us are paying our taxes while these scums only know how to get our taxes for their projects to line their pockets.