By Anna Leah Gonzales | Philippine News Agency
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Monday filed a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice against Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr., Mylah Reyes Roque, and Percival Sazon Ortega for tax violations involving Biancham Holdings and Trading, Inc.
In a statement, the BIR said the investigation revealed that the respondents failed to file the required tax returns and pay the corresponding taxes due on the transfer of shares of stock and on increases in authorized capital stock.
According to BIR, the total estimated tax deficiency amounts to P3.35 million.
BIR said it found probable cause to charge the Roques and Ortega with willful attempt to evade taxes under Section 254, and failure to file tax returns under Section 255, of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
The BIR also filed separate tax evasion complaints against Terjonan Transport Company Inc., Rhodora Andrada Zamora, and Maria Teresa Emflorgo Sarmiento, for willful failure to pay value-added tax (VAT) for the taxable year 2017, amounting to P9.178 million.
It also filed a case against Niefel Mae Heria Demonteverde for failure to pay delinquent tax liabilities for the taxable year 2019, amounting to P8.44 million, covering income tax, VAT, and other statutory obligations.
BIR said under Section 254 of the Tax Code, tax evasion is punishable by a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million and imprisonment of six to 10 years.
Violations under Section 255, meanwhile, carry penalties of fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years, in addition to payment of the tax liabilities due.
Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the filing of the complaints reflects the BIR’s continuing case build-up and filing of Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) cases under the Revenue Collection and Base Protection pillar of the DARES reform program.
DARES Reform Program is a five-point priority legacy agenda launched by the BIR in early 2026 to modernize tax administration and enhance transparency.
He said BIR will pursue all necessary legal actions against individuals and corporations who deliberately evade taxes or ignore lawful assessments. (PNA)
